Gem squash is a round, dark green summer squash grown in South Africa that can be cooked in various ways. It is related to butternut squash and can be eaten at all stages of growth. The seeds are readily available through mail order companies, and the plant grows best in a sunny, moist location. The mature squash can also be used as a decorative gourd.
A gem squash is a summer squash grown in South Africa. It is a round, dark green squash that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Gem squash can easily be grown in a sunny location and the seeds – which were once hard to obtain – are quite readily available through mail order companies. Dried gourd is used as decorative gourds in the fall.
This squash is related to butternut squash and squash. It is edible at all stages of its growth. Primitive gems are the size of golf balls and the skin and seeds are edible, as is the flesh. As this vegetable matures, the skin hardens to protect the flesh inside and begins to turn orange. A full-sized gem is about the size of an acorn squash.
The young buds can be cooked whole in the oven or microwave but must be pierced before cooking. All sizes of gems are often cut in half and baked, broiled, or broiled. The seeds can be harvested before cooking and the halves can be filled with cheeses, meats, creamed corn, and spices. They have a sweet taste, so cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar are also popular flavorings for buds. The buds are also boiled and mashed with flavorings and cheeses.
Bud plants grow from seeds, which can be sown in early spring through early summer. You can buy seeds or use seeds that have been saved from a bud to plant next season. The saved seeds are allowed to dry and then stored in a cool place until it is time to sow.
Selecting a sunny spot in the garden for these plants is recommended. They do best in rich, composted soils kept moist. Seedlings appear within two weeks of planting, and the squash is ready to harvest several months later. Bud squash plants are prone to mildew attack which can be treated with a soapy solution. They are also attractive to cucumber beetles and squash bugs which can be repelled naturally.
When buying a gem, it is advisable to examine the skin, which must be intact and not show any weaknesses. The squash should feel hard and solid. When hit, it should make a hollow sound.
Mature buds have very hard shells and are used as decorations in the fall. If one cuts a mature bud in half and extracts the pulp, the shells can be dried and will harden further. They can be painted and used as decorative bowls, candle holders and potpourri dishes.
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