Tromboncino (squash)
Tromboncino (Italian: [trombonˈtʃiːno]), also known as zucchetta (Italian: [dzukˈketta]), is a type of squash most often used as a summer squash. While nearly all summer squash are cultivars of Cucurbita pepo,[1] tromboncino is a cultivar of Cucurbita moschata.[1][2] The vining growth habit[1][3] is similar to many winter squashes, but unlike most other summer squash.[1] It is more tolerant to some common summer squash pests, including squash vine borer,[2] squash bugs,[2] and powdery mildew, than the more commonly grown, bushy, C. pepo summer squash cultivars.[2] The plants are slower to start producing than some C. pepo types.[2] The fruit color is usually pale green, fading to beige upon maturity,[1] and it is picked around one foot long for summer squash. It is an heirloom,[4] originally from Liguria,[5] and remains popular throughout Italy and abroad.[1][3] Tromboncino squash can be left to mature into a winter squash; such is often compared to a watery[6] butternut squash.[7][5] If left to ripen, the fruits can grow over three feet in length.[4] Its flesh is delicious roasted or when prepared in a stew or soup.
Cucurbita moschata 'Tromboncino' | |
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![]() Tromboncino summer squash, with blossoms
![]() Rampicante is beige when mature | |
Species | Cucurbita moschata |
Cultivar | Tromboncino |
Origin | Liguria, Italy |
Tromboncino is known by many common names,[1] including: zucchetta rampicante,[5] zucchino rampicante,[1] climbing zucchini, climbing crookneck,[3] trombolino d'albenga, trombetta and serpentine squash.[5]
See also
References
- "Zucchetta". Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center: Vegetable Research and Extension. Washington State University. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
- Pleasant, Barbara. "Summer Squash at a Glance". Mother Earth News. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- McLaughlin, Chris (2013). Vertical Vegetable Gardening: A Living Free Guide. USA: Penguin Group. p. 186. ISBN 9781615643240.
- Cameron, C. W. "In Season: Tromboncino squash". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Access Atlanta. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- Spurrier, Jeff. "Tromboncino squash: A fast grower that can throw some curves". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- "Tromboncino Rampicante". What is That and How Do I Eat It? ~ strangeandyummy farmer's market finds. 11 September 2012.
the online consensus seems to be that as it matures into a winter squash, the texture gets stringier, more watery, and less flavorful
- "Saving Tromboncino Seed". The Witches Kitchen. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2015.
It's not the best pumpkin ever – a bit bland and watery,