winter Squash

Fun Facts

Plant Family: Cucurbitaceae

Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo, C. argyrosperma, C. moschata, C. ficifolia, and C. maxima

Botanical Origin: Winter squash is a group of Cucurbita species domesticated throughout the Americas. Cucurbita pepo and C. argyrosperma originated in Mexico and North America, C. moschata and C. ficifolia in Central America and northern South America, and C. maxima in South America, particularly the Andean region.

Common Names: Winter Squash is a term used for squash varieties that can be harvested at full maturity and cured for long-term storage. Many varieties can be stored for months into the winter, giving the crop its common name. This group includes pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata squash, Hubbard squash, banana squash, cushaw, and chilacayote.

Edible Parts: Primarily grown for their sweet mature fruits and exceptional storage life. The seeds are edible and often roasted, and young leaves, shoots, flowers, and immature fruits can also be eaten.