Squash Large Blue Hubbard - Cucurbita maxima

Cucurbita maxima Hubbard Large Blue is a trailing variety that produces oval, elongated fruits. Their grey-greenish blue skin encloses thick, fine-grained, yellow-orange flesh with a sweet flavour. They measure 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in diameter and 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) in length, weighing from 5 to 12kg. Sow the seeds from March to June to harvest from July to November.

Orange, green, red, yellow, black, or even blue, smooth, ribbed, warty, with tender skin, etc. squashes and courgettes boast an astonishing variability of shapes, colours, sizes. They hybridise with remarkable ease, hence the huge number of varieties. 

In common language, winter squash refers to all kinds of pumpkins, potimarrons, pumpkins, etc. with tough skin and delicately sweet flesh. By summer squash or courgettes, we mean the different varieties that are harvested when the skin is still tender and young. These are consumed with the seeds.

They are all native to America and belong to the large Cucurbitaceae family. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Generally trailing, they cling to any support with their tendrils. Female flowers are distinguished from male flowers by their inferior ovary (under the flower), resembling an embryo of fruit. In many regions, male flowers are harvested after pollination to be eaten stuffed or in fritters. There are many ways to consume squashes and courgettes:  sautéed, fried, in gratin, in soups, or stuffed. Courgettes are famous in Provençal ratatouille, Italian caponata, Maghrebian couscous or many emblematic Mediterranean dishes. Courgettes and squashes are low in calories, but rich in vitamins, especially provitamin A, vitamin B and minerals.

Harvesting: pumpkins should be harvested when ripe, unless there is a risk of rotting. In this case, they can finish ripening indoors. Courgettes are harvested young and fresh. They must all be handled with care to prevent cuts or bruises.

Storage: courgettes can be cut into pieces and frozen. Their fragile skin is not suitable for preservation as it is. Winter squashes with tough skin can be stored for several months and consumed throughout winter. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, they need warmth for optimal storage. There is no need to store them in a dark place, so it's best to store them where their plump silhouette can be appreciated.

The gardener's tip: place a slate or tile under the fruit. It will no longer be in direct contact with the ground, thus avoiding rotting due to moisture. They also particularly like slightly moist soils. Mulch around the plants, especially during the height of summer. Squashes and courgettes are very susceptible to powdery mildew (a fungal disease that leaves a white fuzz on the surface of the leaves). Avoid watering the leaves or flowers. Plant your squashes with alliums like chives, onions, and shallots, or with legumes like beans and peas. However, the marriage of squash and cucumber may be detrimental to both parties.