Cucurbita pepo

Whereas some squashes are categorized as summer or winter depending on whether they are harvested in a young or mature stage, Tatume fits into both categories: it can be harvested young and eaten like a summer squash or harvested when mature and treated like a winter squash.

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Seasonality

J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
				•	•	•	•	•	•

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Description

Tatume squash are round or oblong in shape. When young, the skin is similar in appearance to a watermelon with green stripes. As it ages, the skin becomes a mottled, darker green before eventually turning shades of orange or yellow. Mature squash (yellow/orange) have fibers or “vegetable noodles” and can be used similar to spaghetti squash. Tatume is a native of Mexico where it is a staple in the local cuisine. It is often referred to as “Calabacita”.

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Storage tips

If picked young, tatume does best stored in the criper drawer of your fridge. It will keep for about a week. If picked mature as a winter squash, tatume does best in a cool, dry place like your pantry. It will last up to 6 months.

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Culinary tips

• Use young/immature tatume as you would zucchini: roasted, grilled, baked, or sauteed.
• Tatume pairs well with tomato, onion, most herbs, warm spices, goat cheese, and feta.
• Try stuffing baked tatume with a mixture of rice, veggies, and feta cheese.
• To prepare tatume when picked as a winter squash, treat it like you would spaghetti or butternut squash: cut it in half, remove the seeds and place it face down on a baking sheet. Roast until tender then remove the flesh from the skin.