Post by macmex on Aug 21, 2013 11:41:58 GMT -6
Types of Squash
Squash are considered to be a minor crop in the United States. When the squash crop isn't doing well the Stock Market doesn't waver. However squash can be a very important crop for the home gardener or homesteader. Native Americans depended heavily upon squash, and with good reason. Squash has many uses. It can be consumed in many ways. It is generally very productive. One of my fondest memories of my father's sayings, was something he used to say when I was in college: “When the zucchini is in production gardeners often leave bags of squash on the doorsteps of neighbors, ring the bell and... run!” He once also commented: “If we could produce oil from zucchini, we could solve the energy crisis.”
Zucchini is a type of squash. But there are many types, depending on how one wants to categorize them.
One way to categorize squash is by manner of use.
“Summer squash” refers to squash which are eaten before they have mature seed in them. This includes such varieties as Yellow Straightneck, Yellow Crookneck, all kinds of zucchini, Patty Pan and even Tromboncino. This isn't a scientific, biologically defined category. It's a category
“Winter squash” refers to squash which are consumed when fully ripe. Winter squash have mature seed in them when they are ready to be eaten. There are many ways to cook these, the most common being to simply split them, scoop out the seeds and bake. One may add some brown sugar and butter for additional sweetness. Some winter squash are quite sweet as is. A winter squash may be picked green and eaten as a summer squash. But some winter squash, in my opinion, don't taste as good, eaten tender, as varieties generally grown for summer squash. Still, it can be done. Some taste very good.
Another way to categorize squash is by using the terms “squash” and “pumpkin.” This, in my opinion, is the least practical way of categorizing squash. In brief: “pumpkin” is generally a term applied to squash of a certain shape or size. But the application of the term “pumpkin” is not consistent. There are large round squash which are commonly called pumpkins and there are others which are not. As a boy I remember a national contest to see who could raise the largest “pumpkin.” There was disagreement because some claimed that the winner had brought a squash instead of a pumpkin. Such squabbling is ridiculous! The first way of categorizing, by usage, is far superior. I just use the names loosely, know that any pumpkin is also a squash.
Finally, one may categorizing squash by species. For the seed saver this is perhaps the most important way of categorizing squash. Varieties of the same species readily cross with one another unless separated by great distance or hand pollinated. Also, the different species have special characteristics. Knowing the species from which a variety is derrived helps a gardener to predict something about the qualities of its fruit and characteristics of growth. All the squash grown in our part of the world come from the genus Cucurbita. Then they are defined by species. Often seed savers abbreviate the genus as “c.” and follow with the species name.
There are Four Species of Squash Commonly Grown in North America
c. pepo This is the most common and wide spread of the squash species. Representatives of c. pepo are zucchini and most of the summer squash, most of the orange round “Halloween” pumpkins, delicata and acorn squash, and spaghetti squash. C. pepo are reasonably hardy and as a general rule pretty fast to mature. Many c. pepo squash have the ability to spring back from drought and produce quickly when moisture is available. The only real weakness of this species is that it is susceptable to the attacks of the squash vine borer, which is a big problem in the entire eastern half of the United States. Unfortunately, Most of Oklahoma falls within the range of the squash vine borer. Some years it can be very frustrating to bring these squash to the point of maturing seed because of this pest.
c. maxima This species is represented by Hubbard, buttercup, red Kuri, banana squash kabocha, Turk's turban and candy roasters squash. The species is quite diverse, with its origins high in the Andes Mountains. C. maxima species are most often characterized by outstanding flavor and texture, the exception being the giant varieties, whose texture is usually only mediocre. C. maximas generally grow rapidly and, like c. pepo, have the ability to spring back from drought. C. maximas usually have very LONG vines and rampant growth. Though there are a few varieties developed for bush production. Unfortunately this species is the most susceptible to squash vine borers. If an Oklahoma gardener wants to grow one of these, it would be recommendable that some other species also be grown as a back up. If I could be assured that squash vine borers would not be a problem I'd grow c. maxima varieties as my favorites, such is the flavor and texture of some of these. As it is, I won't grow them at all. It's too disapointing to dedicate a large part of the garden to one of these, to watch it grow and set fruit, and then, overnight, see the entire plant wither and die!
c. moschata The c. moschata species originated in Central America and is quite resistant to heat and humidity. Generally, varieties of this species are fairly insect resistant. I say “fairly” as squash bugs can still harm them severely when they are small. But the really good news is that c. moschatas are quite resistant to squash vine borers. It is my opinion that varieties from this species ought to be the main stay for gardeners in our region (Oklahoma). Some varieties of c. moschata are all of the butternut squash, Tahitian melon squash, Long Island Cheese, Choctaw, Seminole, Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin, Dickson and many others. Squash from this species often have very vigorous to rampant vines. Tahitian melon squash, and Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin, for instance can send vines more than 18' in every direction from their roots. Seminole, which is an excellent squash for our region, is known for climbing trees! Burpee Butterbush is a very compact variety of this species. But be aware that this variety's fruit is also very “compact” (small). Ponca Butternut is fairly restrained in its growth and produces a two to three pound fruit.
c. argyrosperma (a.k.a. c. mixta) This species is perhaps the least widely grown of the cucurbitae, originating in southern Mexico. Native Americans in the South and especially the Southwest cultivated squash from this species. Squash from this species almost always have very long vines. C. argyrosperma squash are probably the most insect resistant of all the species. My theory is that many who have grown these do so because they are so ruggedly dependable. The most common, in fact, almost the only representatives of this species, commonly known in North America, are the different variations of cushaw. The most common cushaw is the green and white striped cushaw. In Mexico there are quite a few variations in what is known as a land race of c. argyrosperma squash. Historically, this squash has been most highly prized for its large, delicious seed, which is often ground and used as the base for the pipian sauce. But its fruit are still good to eat, even though not renowned for fine texture or flavor. Being in Oklahoma I will always grow one of these being in Oklahoma, because of its extreme dependability.
Let me mention that both Baker Creek Heirlooms and Sandhill Preservation Center list varieties of squash with their species. This can be very helpful when saving seed.
Squash are considered to be a minor crop in the United States. When the squash crop isn't doing well the Stock Market doesn't waver. However squash can be a very important crop for the home gardener or homesteader. Native Americans depended heavily upon squash, and with good reason. Squash has many uses. It can be consumed in many ways. It is generally very productive. One of my fondest memories of my father's sayings, was something he used to say when I was in college: “When the zucchini is in production gardeners often leave bags of squash on the doorsteps of neighbors, ring the bell and... run!” He once also commented: “If we could produce oil from zucchini, we could solve the energy crisis.”
Zucchini is a type of squash. But there are many types, depending on how one wants to categorize them.
One way to categorize squash is by manner of use.
“Summer squash” refers to squash which are eaten before they have mature seed in them. This includes such varieties as Yellow Straightneck, Yellow Crookneck, all kinds of zucchini, Patty Pan and even Tromboncino. This isn't a scientific, biologically defined category. It's a category
“Winter squash” refers to squash which are consumed when fully ripe. Winter squash have mature seed in them when they are ready to be eaten. There are many ways to cook these, the most common being to simply split them, scoop out the seeds and bake. One may add some brown sugar and butter for additional sweetness. Some winter squash are quite sweet as is. A winter squash may be picked green and eaten as a summer squash. But some winter squash, in my opinion, don't taste as good, eaten tender, as varieties generally grown for summer squash. Still, it can be done. Some taste very good.
Another way to categorize squash is by using the terms “squash” and “pumpkin.” This, in my opinion, is the least practical way of categorizing squash. In brief: “pumpkin” is generally a term applied to squash of a certain shape or size. But the application of the term “pumpkin” is not consistent. There are large round squash which are commonly called pumpkins and there are others which are not. As a boy I remember a national contest to see who could raise the largest “pumpkin.” There was disagreement because some claimed that the winner had brought a squash instead of a pumpkin. Such squabbling is ridiculous! The first way of categorizing, by usage, is far superior. I just use the names loosely, know that any pumpkin is also a squash.
Finally, one may categorizing squash by species. For the seed saver this is perhaps the most important way of categorizing squash. Varieties of the same species readily cross with one another unless separated by great distance or hand pollinated. Also, the different species have special characteristics. Knowing the species from which a variety is derrived helps a gardener to predict something about the qualities of its fruit and characteristics of growth. All the squash grown in our part of the world come from the genus Cucurbita. Then they are defined by species. Often seed savers abbreviate the genus as “c.” and follow with the species name.
There are Four Species of Squash Commonly Grown in North America
c. pepo This is the most common and wide spread of the squash species. Representatives of c. pepo are zucchini and most of the summer squash, most of the orange round “Halloween” pumpkins, delicata and acorn squash, and spaghetti squash. C. pepo are reasonably hardy and as a general rule pretty fast to mature. Many c. pepo squash have the ability to spring back from drought and produce quickly when moisture is available. The only real weakness of this species is that it is susceptable to the attacks of the squash vine borer, which is a big problem in the entire eastern half of the United States. Unfortunately, Most of Oklahoma falls within the range of the squash vine borer. Some years it can be very frustrating to bring these squash to the point of maturing seed because of this pest.
c. maxima This species is represented by Hubbard, buttercup, red Kuri, banana squash kabocha, Turk's turban and candy roasters squash. The species is quite diverse, with its origins high in the Andes Mountains. C. maxima species are most often characterized by outstanding flavor and texture, the exception being the giant varieties, whose texture is usually only mediocre. C. maximas generally grow rapidly and, like c. pepo, have the ability to spring back from drought. C. maximas usually have very LONG vines and rampant growth. Though there are a few varieties developed for bush production. Unfortunately this species is the most susceptible to squash vine borers. If an Oklahoma gardener wants to grow one of these, it would be recommendable that some other species also be grown as a back up. If I could be assured that squash vine borers would not be a problem I'd grow c. maxima varieties as my favorites, such is the flavor and texture of some of these. As it is, I won't grow them at all. It's too disapointing to dedicate a large part of the garden to one of these, to watch it grow and set fruit, and then, overnight, see the entire plant wither and die!
c. moschata The c. moschata species originated in Central America and is quite resistant to heat and humidity. Generally, varieties of this species are fairly insect resistant. I say “fairly” as squash bugs can still harm them severely when they are small. But the really good news is that c. moschatas are quite resistant to squash vine borers. It is my opinion that varieties from this species ought to be the main stay for gardeners in our region (Oklahoma). Some varieties of c. moschata are all of the butternut squash, Tahitian melon squash, Long Island Cheese, Choctaw, Seminole, Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin, Dickson and many others. Squash from this species often have very vigorous to rampant vines. Tahitian melon squash, and Old Timey Cornfield Pumpkin, for instance can send vines more than 18' in every direction from their roots. Seminole, which is an excellent squash for our region, is known for climbing trees! Burpee Butterbush is a very compact variety of this species. But be aware that this variety's fruit is also very “compact” (small). Ponca Butternut is fairly restrained in its growth and produces a two to three pound fruit.
c. argyrosperma (a.k.a. c. mixta) This species is perhaps the least widely grown of the cucurbitae, originating in southern Mexico. Native Americans in the South and especially the Southwest cultivated squash from this species. Squash from this species almost always have very long vines. C. argyrosperma squash are probably the most insect resistant of all the species. My theory is that many who have grown these do so because they are so ruggedly dependable. The most common, in fact, almost the only representatives of this species, commonly known in North America, are the different variations of cushaw. The most common cushaw is the green and white striped cushaw. In Mexico there are quite a few variations in what is known as a land race of c. argyrosperma squash. Historically, this squash has been most highly prized for its large, delicious seed, which is often ground and used as the base for the pipian sauce. But its fruit are still good to eat, even though not renowned for fine texture or flavor. Being in Oklahoma I will always grow one of these being in Oklahoma, because of its extreme dependability.
Let me mention that both Baker Creek Heirlooms and Sandhill Preservation Center list varieties of squash with their species. This can be very helpful when saving seed.