Know Your Squash

Table after table of gorgeous squash grace every farmer's market this time of year. Squash really is the star of the season, so it's time to get to "Know Your Cucurbit!" Squash and pumpkins are closely related, both being part of the cucurbit (gourd) family. Generally they grow on vines, and have beautiful flowers (that are sometimes eaten before they even produce a fruit). The so-called winter squash varieties also store well and can be enjoyed months after they're harvested.

Drumlin Farm produces several varieties of squash and pumpkin, most of which will keep well into the winter months. Members of our CSA receive squash regularly in their fall shares. You can also purchase many of them at our farmstand, or on Saturdays at our stand at the Union Square Farmer's Market in Somerville.

Delicata is one of the smaller varieties, and is tender enough that you can eat the skin.

 
The Blue Hubbard, know as one of the hardest to break into, is often stuffed as a vegetarian substitute for turkey.

 
Butternut, which is easier to peel than some other varieties, is particularly versatile, featured in sweet or savory dishes. Drumlin Farm grows a variety of butternut squash that was bred in Waltham, Massachusetts (right down the street!). 

 

Our crops team also harvests Red Kuri, Acorn, Sweet Dumpling and Kabocha squash, as well as several varieties of pumpkin (some edible and some for decoration).

 

 

They also grow a wide variety of gourds, all wonderful to look at—but definitely not for eating!

 
These gourds can be dried and turned into birdhouses.

What's your favorite recipe for enjoying squash? 

Comments

[MKH]

The Herb Lyceum in Groton makes an outrageous kuri squash soup; the recipe can be found here:
http://www.gilsonslyceum.com/gilsonherbs/soup1.html

Yum!

[allison]

Has speckled hound been discontinued?!

[Mass Audubon Staff]

Thanks for the link. It sounds great!

[Mass Audubon Staff]

Indeed the speckled hound was discontinued. It was not very prolific, so the crops team went with other varieties instead this year.