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2024 is the Year of Squash (the plant kind, not the sport or British drink).
Squash has been a staple in diets and agriculture for centuries and is known for its remarkable diversity. It is indigenous to the Americas and belongs to the genus Cucurbita, which encompasses multiple species and varieties cultivated and cherished in numerous cultures.
Squash traces back thousands of years, with its earliest cultivation believed to have occurred in Mesoamerica. Archaeological evidence suggests that squash is one of the first cultivated crops, originating more than 10,000 years ago in the Americas.
Cucurbita falls into four key categories:
Currently, hundreds of different types of squash are cultivated globally, traditionally in two groups: summer squash and winter squash.
Summer squashes are harvested when immature, and their skin is tender and edible; zucchini and yellow squash are well-known examples.
Winter squashes are harvested when fully mature, featuring hard, thick skins and a longer storage potential; examples include pumpkins, plus acorn, spaghetti, and butternut squashes.
Squash plants are known for their vigorous growth and sprawling vines, with some varieties capable of producing immense fruits. As a crop, they are valued for their edible fruit, seeds, and flowers in various culinary traditions.
The cultural significance of squash is notable, particularly among Native American tribes who regarded squash as one of the "Three Sisters" along with maize (corn) and beans. This trio of crops is traditionally grown together via companion planting to benefit each plant.
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