(CUCURBITA MAXIMA)
This beautiful squash comes from Brazil. Its name comes from the traditional dish ‘Camarão na moranga’ which means ‘shrimp in a squash’. Also known as Pink Pumpkin. These 4-8 pound fruits range in color from light pink to salmon. Prolific plants.
How to grow
tolerates hot weather conditions . Can Start Indoor 4 wk before the last frost , It should be planted early in the spring as soon as the danger of frost is past. full sun, rich warm soil with good drainage, water regularly. Can also Sow the seed directly and it will germinate within 2 weeks. Plant spacing the rows should be spaced 6-9 feet apart, and the plants spaced 4 feet apart, in the row. Planting season is late spring and summer.
Maturity info
Approximately 80 days
Nutrition info
High in dietary fiber and rich in Vitamin A & C
Cooking info
It is eaten many different ways, such as in stews, cakes, and candies. Some recipes that call for pumpkin allow calabaza to be used in its place. The taste is smooth and somewhat sweet. The flower, is used as an ingredient in quesadillas in Mexican cuisine, and in pupusas in Salvadorian cuisine.
Medical uses
Tea from the leaves of calabaza is used against stomach inflammation and jaundice.The seeds of Cucurbita species are also used; to immobilize and aid in expulsion of intestinal worms and parasites.Another application is using the seeds in the treatment of prostate gland disorders.
The Cherokee Amerindians and those from Surinam used pumpkin seed as an anthelmintic and also as a pediatric urinary aid to treat bed-wetting.Help to prevent common type of kidney stones.
Select your desired size and color from the available option