Squash (plant)

Squashes are a kind of fruit. They originally came from the New World. Gourds are in the same family as squashes. Pumpkins and courgette (zucchini) are types of squashes. Although squash is a fruit according to its botanical classification, it is generally considered a vegetable in food preparation.

Word origin
The English word "squash" comes from askutasquash (which means "a green thing eaten raw"). This is a word from the Narragansett language, which was documented by Roger Williams in his 1643 publication A Key Into the Language of America. There are similar words for squash in related languages of the Algonquian family such as Massachusett.

Squash and art
The squash has been an important crop in the Andes mountains since the pre-Columbian Era. The Moche culture from Northern Peru made ceramics from earth, water, and fire. This pottery was used to represent important themes. Squash are a popular shape in Moche ceramics.

Other websites

 * Squash Display at Missouri Botanical Garden - Pics of 150 varieties from The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur, IL
 * Big-Pumpkins.de This is a very informative site for the new as well as experienced giant pumpkin (Riesenkürbis) and squash grower aimed towards the German speaking audience, though all growers are welcome.
 * The Great Squash Cook-off - Recipe contest for winter squash in Brooklyn, NY