We occasionally find a volunteer squash or melon on the farm. “Volunteer” meaning we didn’t plant it… well not on purpose. Over the last few years since we’ve been on our farm, we will collect Fall pumpkins and squash from friends and neighbors. We then feed them to our animals. The pigs enjoy them, but the chickens go crazy for them. Our flock of 100+ laying hens will take one down in just a few minutes… like a school of piranha on an unfortunate cow!
A spaghetti squash I found a few weeks ago.
These Cushaw Squash are huge!
This year, my wife stumbled (almost literally!) across these melons. She sent me a photo and asked if they were edible. I was thrilled!
She had found a Cushaw Squash, sometimes called a Kershaw. These large, crookneck squash are actually an heirloom vegetable. In fact, they are listed on the Slow Food Ark of Taste! I could give a lot more background, but this Slow Food article does a great job telling the history and importance of this squash that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Oh… and they are immune to squash vine borers (an insect that destroys most squash unless treated with chemicals) and they can store for 3-4 months! We will be planting these intentionally in the years to come.
So apparently, somewhere along the way of gathering squash from neighbors to being food for our animals, we now have a sprawling piece of history nestled in one of our fallow fields.
And I can’t wait to taste it!
(Here is another fun article on preparing and eating Cushaw Squash)
