Turban squash

Cucurbita maxima
'Turban'

Turban squash
Species Cucurbita maxima
Cultivar Turban
Origin Northeastern United States[1]

Turban squash, also known as "Turk's turban" or "French turban" ("Giraumon" in French), is a type of squash most often used as a winter squash. It is an heirloom, predating 1820.[2] A cultivar of Cucurbita maxima, it is closely related to the buttercup squash.[3] It is typically 6 pounds when mature.[2] Colors vary, but are often mottled in shades of orange, green, and white.[3] The squash is used as both a vegetable and as an ornamental gourd.[4][5] Taste is similar to other C. maxima cultivars, though "not as vibrant,"[4] "reminiscent to hazelnut,"[3] and "coarse, watery and insipid."[6] It has been described as "the most beautiful in color, and the most worthless in quality, of all the varieties of squash."[6]

References

  1. Andersen, Craig. "Summer Squash". Home Gardening Series. University of Arkansas Agricultural Extension. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Schrager, Victor (2004). The Compleat Squash. Artisan Books. p. 61.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Stradley, Linda. "Types of winter squash - The most popular winter squash varieties available". What's Cooking America. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Sharrard, Jesse (2 November 2006). "Super winter squash is not as tough as it seems.". Pittsburg Post-Gazette. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  5. Wyman, Donald (1986). Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia. Scribner. p. 277.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Gregory, James J. H. (1893). Squashes: How to Grow Them. Marblehead, Mass.