Squash Cucuzza seeds Bottle Gourd

The Cucuzza Squash is also known as the New Guinea Bean and is an intriguing vegetable that is neither from New Guinea nor a bean. Native to Africa, it is actually a climbing edible gourd or squash, belonging to the cucurbit family. If left to grow, these gourds can reach over a meter in length and weigh up to five kilograms. However, for culinary purposes, they are typically harvested when they are between 60-100 cm long. The flesh, when eaten raw, tastes like a blend of zucchini and cucumber, though it is considered more palatable than raw zucchini. This versatile vegetable can be cooked in various ways. An Italian variety related to these gourds is often prepared as a summer squash. With vigorous vines and pale green skin, this fruit can grow from 40 cm up to a meter in length. When picked young, it has a zucchini-like flavor and can be sautéed, grilled, or pickled.