Gem squash
The Gem Squash (mostly just called Squash or Squashy ; from English : gem “gemstone” and squash “pumpkin”) is a type of garden pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo ) from South Africa .
description
It has a thin, smooth and dark green skin, white to slightly yellowish flesh, a round or slightly oval shape with a diameter of 5 to 15 cm. Unlike the similar-looking round zucchini varieties, the pulp forms a light, fibrous (spaghetti-like) mass after cooking . This has a nutty taste - in contrast to most other pumpkins without the otherwise typical pumpkin taste.
When stored for a long time, the color of the pulp and the skin changes from yellow to orange.
Young, unripe fruits can be used like zucchini.
Cultivation
The Gem Squash is a climbing, strongly growing variety without special demands on soil or maintenance, which brings good yields in the form of numerous, mostly different sized fruits. The ripe fruits can be stored for a long time.
Cultivation from seeds is possible without any problems.
In South Africa it is one of the most widespread market varieties.
A cultivation in Germany is possible without difficulties even in rough regions.
Synonyms
The 'Gem Squash' is also sold under the brand names 'Rolet' (possibly also 'Rondini') and 'African Smaragd'.
Web links
- South African recipes from Cape Town. Ritztrade International, accessed December 5, 2012 (see "Gem Squash").
- 'Gem Squash', the "gemstone pumpkin". Verlag Eugen Ulmer, accessed on December 5, 2012 .
- StrawberryFrog: gem squash. Everything2, September 5, 2006, accessed December 5, 2012 (English, description of taste).