Meot Jaeng I Ae Korean Summer Squash Seeds – Dense, Sweet Flesh, Zucchini-Style (Cucurbita moschata)

Korea’s Classic Summer Squash — Denser and More Flavorful Than Zucchini

Meot Jaeng I Ae is a beloved Korean summer squash (Cucurbita moschata) producing H-shaped fruits about 6–8" long with shiny skin and a mild, sweet flavor. What sets it apart from standard zucchini is the flesh: exceptionally dense and silky-smooth in texture, with a delicate softness that holds up beautifully in stir-fries, soups, and braised dishes. A versatile warm-season variety that can be grown under row cover early in the season or in open-field plantings — making it one of the longest-season Korean squashes available.

Highlights

• H-shaped fruits, 6–8" long; shiny skin; mild, sweet flavor
• Dense, silky flesh — richer texture than standard zucchini
• Long growing season; suitable for row cover or open-field planting
• Warm season annual; vigorous vine

In the Kitchen

Slice and stir-fry with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce for a classic Korean banchan. Cube into doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean soup) or add to miyeok guk. Grate for Korean-style squash pancakes (hobak jeon). Slice raw for fresh salads or pickle quickly in rice vinegar. Excellent in Western preparations too: roasted, grilled, or folded into bread and pasta.

Growing Guide

• Sow: Spring/summer after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location
• Hill planting: Form 1-ft diameter mounds 3–4" tall; space 3–4 ft apart; 1–2 seeds per mound
• Support: Train on a vertical trellis for better air circulation and easier harvest, or allow to sprawl
• Water and fertilize consistently throughout the season
• Harvest: At 6–8" long for peak tender texture and sweet flavor