Acorn Squash History

Acorn Squash History

Acorn squash, an edible gourd, is botanically-named Cucurbita pepo L. var. turbinata. It grows on a vine.

Although considered a winter squash, the acorn squash is of the same family as summer squash, which includes zucchini. It is a botanical fruit which is treated as a culinary vegetable.

Squash is native to the Americas. Thought to be the first food cultivated by Native American Indians, squash, along with beans and corn, is part of the Indian triad of the three most important food staples.

Squash seeds have been found in ancient Mexican archeological digs dating back to somewhere between 9,000 and 4,000 B.C. The first European settlers originally thought squash to be a type of melon since they had never seen them before.

The term acorn squash first appeared in print in 1937.

More About Acorn Squash

• Acorn Squash Selection and Storage
• Acorn Squash Cooking Tips
• Acorn Squash Equivalents, Measures, and Substitutions
• Acorn Squash History
• Acorn Squash Recipes
_{Acorn Squash Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.}