The Simple Squash

Don't ever underrate squash, they are far from simple and it could be argued that they are rather special. A species that really enjoys rich ground they are really at home in muck enriched soil - perfect. After sowing over 200 seeds, we planted 176 plants and the beds dedicated to them now look like a sea of squash.

However this is just the tip of the iceberg, as it is very exciting to delve in to this sea of squash, as if you peep in amongst this mass of foliage there are many surprises to be seen underneath, let me reveal some of the delights.

Alongside the beautiful flowers there is the unexpected, like this Crown Prince

A large bulbous beautiful dusky green/blue coloured winter squash. By contrast of a similar size the Victor winter squash has huge glowing orange fruits that shine through the dense greenery. 

It can be used in soups, stews, roasted, baked with or in any other manner you would use a pumpkin, but it is actually a Hubbard type squash, which means that it is a combination of sweet potato meets pumpkin. The flesh is reddish orange and deliciously sweet. 

Currently of a similar football size the Ute Indian is an ancient variety from the native Ute people.

Currently green this squash will turn a Greenish-grey and will exhibit a bright yellow flesh, it will develop a huge button on the bottom, and will resemble turban. With a mild delicate flavour, it is great roasted, grilled or fried. Unique melon flavour when eaten raw.

A lot smaller and smooth in appearance is the Uchiki Kuri, which will also change colour, but far more dramatically to a bright orange/red.

Another Hubbard' type squash, it has a sweet nutty taste, with a creamy flesh and stores well. By contrast the Black Futsu, develops as deep, dark green (almost black) fruit, which becomes darker with age and develops heavy ribbing, bumps and warts.

when raw, have a sweet and slightly nutty flavour, and when cooked, the flavour deepens into a taste similar to roasted chestnuts with a smooth, creamy texture.

Of a similar size the Volskaya Grey squash, has a smooth, round and attractive appearance, from the Volga region of Russia, it is a mid-season blue-grey squash that gains a pink blush with storage. 

This is a tasty, reliable and productive variety that is great for a whole range of recipes. It is said to be particularly good chopped up and roasted with whole garlic cloves & chunks of red onion.

A little smaller is the Celebration which is a unique light yellow acorn squash which develops bright orange streaks and attractive flecking. .

They produce fruits which offer an exceptional eating quality and flavour.

These are just a few of the varieties that we are growing, there are many more hidden underneath that spectacular undergrowth.

We wait excitedly to see them emerge and mature at a time when local fresh food supplies are not so abundant and our winter storers play a significant part in our diet.