Squashophile

What's a "squashophile" (my very own word)? Someone who absolutely LOVES squash. In this case, the harder winter varieties. My favorite of all of them is kobucha, also known as the Japanese pumpkin. It has a densely textured deep orange meat that is sweet and nutty - delicious baked or steamed. I eagerly look for it in September when the winter squash starts appearing in my local co-op. It seems everyone else does, too, because they disappear rapidly on market days.

I thought I'd try growing a few plants myself in containers. Well, the plants were magnificent, with lush leafy, draping strands with curling tendrils and gorgeous huge yellow blooms that the bees loved. Eventually, the plants produced about 4 small fruits. But the growing season was too short and I had to harvest my little fruits before the frost ruined them last fall.

I became quite captivated by the plants as they grew, and found them so beautiful and graceful, thus inspiring Squash Blossom Ballet.



By the way, the tiny fruits were consumed and found delicious!