Turban squash

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] Known in the nineteenth century as "the most beautiful in color, and the most worthless in quality, of all the varieties of squash;"[6] More recently, Ian Knauer, author of "The Farm", has described it as "nutty and sweet".[7]

Cucurbita maxima
'Turban'
Turban squash (variety Mini red turban)
SpeciesCucurbita maxima
CultivarTurban, Mini red turban
OriginNortheastern United States[1]

Two variety or cultivars:

  • Turk's turban: a medium size tricolor gourd with red cap and red, green and white turban.
  • Mini red turban: a small size bicolor gourd with red cap and white turban (sometimes with narrow red stripes). Like a mushroom.

References

  1. Andersen, Craig. "Summer Squash" (PDF). Home Gardening Series. University of Arkansas Agricultural Extension. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  2. Schrager, Victor (2004). The Compleat Squash. Artisan Books. p. 61.
  3. Stradley, Linda. "Types of winter squash - The most popular winter squash varieties available". What's Cooking America. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  4. Sharrard, Jesse (2 November 2006). "Super winter squash is not as tough as it seems". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  5. Wyman, Donald (1986). Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia. Scribner. p. 277.
  6. Gregory, James J. H. (1893). Squashes: How to Grow Them. Marblehead, Mass.: James J.H. Gregory. p. 48. french turban.
  7. Meatless Mondays: Roasted Turk’s Turban Squash and Onions With Tahini Dressing
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