Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
may germinate when left in the fruit for so long. The fruits of most varieties cannot be stored for more
than four months.
Pepo squash seeds
Warning: many inedible gourds containing the bitter-tasting compound cucurbitacin also belong to
this species. Cucurbitacin is toxic and can cause digestive problems. Since these gourds can cross with
squashes in this species and pass the cucurbitacin-producing trait on to them, do not eat fruits that taste
bitter and do not save seed from such fruits.
Pepo squash varieties, including 'Custard White', 'Sweet Dumpling', 'Delicata', and 'Orangetti'
MAXIMA SQUASH
Cucurbita maxima
Maxima squash is also called winter squash and giant squash. Vines are soft (not prickly), round, and
usually have minimal hair. Leaves on the other hand are soft, hairy, large, and round; the leaf border is
often wavy. The fruit stem is round, soft when still green and finally woody. There are many delicious
winter squash varieties of
Cucurbita maxima
, some of which can be stored for up to a year. The flesh
comes apart when cooked and purees well.
