Introduction 

One plant group with the most species used as human food is the Cucurbitaceae family.  Within this family, the genus Cucurbita stands out as one of the most important.  Five of its species have been domesticated in the New World and for thousands of years they have been cultivated or at least handled by American societies.

In spite of the current marginalization of some of these species, all have contributed essential food products to the diet of rural and some urban communities on the American continent and in many other parts of the world. With the exception of C. maxima, whose centre of origin is in South America, it is assumed that the other four cultivated species were domesticated in Mesoamerica, although this has not been confirmed in all cases.

Squash, pumpkins, and gourds should not be planted until danger of frost is past.  Optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF and little or no germination occurs below 60ºF.  Growers often plant before optimum temperatures are obtained in order to get an early harvest.  The use of plastic mulch, row covers, row orientation, and/or transplants can be utilized to overcome the cold-temperature conditions and produce an earlier crop.

Squash, pumpkins, and some gourds can be eaten in a variety of ways: cooked as a vegetable side dish; as an ingredient in pies, cakes, and pastries; and as a base for cold and warm soups.  The variety in colors and shapes make winter squash, pumpkins, gourds, and occasional summer squashes desirable decorations as well.  Pumpkins are painted or carved.  Gourds, as well, can be painted, made into bird houses, or used as beverage containers.  Cucurbits also serve as attractive centerpieces, arranged in baskets, on leaves, or hollowed out as serving containers.  The only limit to their possibilities is one's imagination. (adapted from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/1492/cucurbits.html) 

Types and Varieties

Summer squash varieties are divided into three general types: yellow, green (zucchini), or scallop.  They are harvested multiple times throughout the season (every 1-3 days).  Winter squash have an almost endless array, from very large to very small and generally ripen at once.  Pumpkins also run the gamut from small to extremely large.  They come in white, orange, and even a deep red.  Of the cucurbits, gourds are most known for their colors and shapes.  Many bear names that reflect their appearance: crook-necked, winged, crown-of-thorns.