curcurbita pepo

Cucurbita pepo

''Cucurbita pepo'' is a cultivated plant of the genus ''Cucurbita''. It yields varieties of winter squash and pumpkin, but the most widespread varieties belong to ''Cucurbita pepo'' subsp. ''pepo'', called summer squash.

It has been domesticated in the New World for thousands of years. Some authors maintain that ''C. pepo'' is derived from ''C. texana'', while others suggest that ''C. texana'' is merely feral ''C. pepo''. They have a wide variety of uses, especially as a food source and for medical conditions. ''C. pepo'' seems more closely related to ''C. fraterna'', though disagreements exist about the exact nature of that connection, too.
Yellow Cougette And here was me thinking they only came in green..... Cucurbita pepo,Geotagged,Summer,United Kingdom,curcurbita pepo

Appearance

Due to their varied genetic background, members of ''C. pepo'' vary widely in appearance, primarily in regards to their fruits. The plants are typically 1.0-2.5 feet high, 2-3 feet wide, and have yellow flowers. Within ''C. pepo'', the pumpkins, scallops, and possibly crooknecks are ancient and were domesticated separately. The domesticated species have larger fruits and larger yet fewer seeds. Parthenocarpy is known to occur in certain cultivars of ''C. pepo''.
Zucchini Flower (Cucurbita pepo) Zucchini flowers are edible. Stuff flowers with herbs and cheese and fry them briefly; dip in light batter and deep fry them; or toss in olive oil until just wilted, then stir through risottos. The flowers don't last so buy and cook them on the same day. Go with cheese, cream, pancetta, pasta, batter. Courgette,Cucurbita pepo,Edible Flowers,Flowers,Geotagged,Summer Squash,United Kingdom,Zucchini

Uses

It is an ingredient in "''schumaakwe'' cakes" and is used externally for rheumatism and swelling. A poultice of seeds and blossoms is applied to cactus scratches. Fresh squash is cut into spiral strips, folded into hanks and hung up to dry for winter use. The blossoms are cooked in grease and used as a delicacy in combination with other foods. Fresh squash, either whole or in pieces, is roasted in ashes and used for food. The gourds made into cups, ladles, and dippers and put to various uses. The gourds are also worn in phallic dances symbolizing fructification or made into ceremonial rattles. Gourds are also made into receptacles for storing precious articles. It is approved for treatment of prostate disorders in Germany.

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