Earlier this year, I posted a rave review about a summer squash variety called Zucchino Rampicante. I also noted that this squash could be grown as either a summer or a winter variety. Well here's the update on how this squash performs as a winter veggie.
I planted Zucchino Rampicante in late April, and harvested the first batch at the end of June. At that time, I reviewed this variety and placed it high on my "recommended" list. I liked its flavor -- closer to acorn squash than zucchini -- and I loved its beautiful "crookneck" shape.
After trying this variety as a winter squash, I have to say my enthusiasm is undiminished. It is mildly sweet and as good as many other winter squash varieties I've tasted. If you only have room in your garden for one squash variety, this is the one to pick for the following reasons:
- Abundant harvests -- like zucchini, the squash just kept coming throughout the summer and into the fall.
- Unique flavor -- as noted, more like acorn squash when eaten as a summer vegetable with the flavor intensifying as a winter variety. It's mildly sweet as both a summer and winter variety.
- Dual purpose -- You can harvest this squash in about 65 days, or let it mature for another 35 days and harvest it as a winter variety. As a summer vegetable, it is light green. As a winter vegetable it takes on a light orange-brown color that is similar to butternut squash.
- Almost seedless -- this variety has relatively few seeds that are located in the body of the squash (none in the neck). The seeds are easy to remove when eating Zucchino Rampicante as a winter squash and do not need to be removed at all when consumed as a summer squash.
- Open pollinated -- if you like to save seeds.
I love this squash and will be growing it again next season. If you like summer and winter squash, I encourage you to give this one a try. You can buy seeds at Baker Creek or other seed merchants.
Zucchnio Rampicante (Summer)
Zucchino Rampicante (Winter)
Zucchino Rampicante (Shaped like a swan!)
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