The Volunteer Winter Squash update

Thanks to all those who clued me in about our mystery winter squash.  As multiple posters figured out, it is Canadian Crook Neck Winter Squash.

If you know me, you know I get obsessive about learning all I can about something when it interests me.

So, like the nerdy old phart I am, I spent about 2 hours reading about this one particular squash.  It was all so interesting, and if you have a thing for botanical history, this may interest you.

1. The Canada Crook Neck Squash is a Pumpkin!
2. There is 100% verification that its heritage pre-dates 1820 United States.
3. There is anecdotal evidence of its existence in the early 17th century.
4. It was considered the best of the winter squashes for winter storage, as some frontierspeople claimed they could store this for more than a year with no ill effects.
5. The salmon-colored flesh is considered one of the tastiest, naturally sweet varieties, and it was widely used in the 18th century throughout the country.  Settlers heading West from then modern civilization included this as a staple food.

There is one interesting little tidbit that I found to be slightly off base.  This squash is supposed to be 10-14 inches in length.  The one sitting on my breakfast nook table right now is 18 inches, and there is an even longer one outside on the vine.

RB, they didn't have MM! Or else their would be the champs that you are growing!

One other good thing is that the long neck is pure flesh, no seeds or wasted space. Slice the neck into 1 1/2" to 2" and bake with brushed oil and seasoning.

could it be Tromboncino squash? we are growing them, and they exactly like yours! The Canadian ones don't seem to have as long of necks as yours??

I am not sure after eating one last night. It was not salmon-colored inside. It was more like a butternut and tasted like hubbard. Also it had a little stringiness like spaghetti squash. The next one to pick is at least 22 to 24 inches long and weighs well over 3 pounds and maybe 5???

Did you like it?

I just had the leftovers for my midnight supper.  It tasted better last night fresh than tonight when it was left over.

Overall, I would say it is nice, but not something to go manic over like the coconut ice cream that my wife just surprised me with.  I didn't know whether to eat it or bathe in it.  It was still 91 with high humidity and no wind at 11 PM when the baseball game ended tonight.  People started leaving in the first inning, and by the 7th inning, there probably weren't 500 left.  I could have watered a 4x4 square with the sweat on my clothes.

Razed Bed wrote:It was still 91 with high humidity and no wind at 11 PM when the baseball game ended tonight.  . . I could have watered a 4x4 square with the sweat on my clothes.