Winter squashWinter squash is an annualfruit representing several species of squash within the genus Cucurbita – odd-shaped, rough or warty, late-growing varieties, less symmetrical, small to medium in size, but with long-keeping qualities and hard rinds. They differ from summer squash in that they are harvested and eaten in the mature stage when their seeds within have matured fully and their skin has hardened into a tough rind. At this stage, most varieties of this fruit can be stored for use during the winter. Winter sq...
CucurbitaCucurbita (Latin for 'gourd') is a genus, native to the Andes and Mesoamerica, of herbaceous fruits in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae (also known as cucurbits or cucurbi). Five edible species are grown and consumed for their flesh and seeds. They are variously known as squash, pumpkin, or gourd, depending on species, variety, and local parlance. Other kinds of gourd, also called bottle-gourds, are native to Africa and belong to the genus Lagenaria, which is in the same family and subfamily as Cucurbita, but in ...
DomesticationDomestication is a multi-generational mutualistic relationship in which an animal species, such as humans or leafcutter ants, takes over control and care of another species, such as sheep or fungi, to obtain from them a steady supply of resources, such as meat, milk, or labor. The process is gradual and geographically diffuse, based on trial and error. Domestication affects genes for behavior in animals, making them less aggressive. In plants, domestication affects genes for morphology, such as increasing seed s...*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.