Vegetable
Cucurbita pepo
S tier
Cucurbita pepo is the species umbrella for acorn squash as well as many pumpkins, zucchinis, and ornamental gourds—ribbed dark-green acorns are one fruit type within vast pepo diversity. Sweet orange flesh and edible skins (when tender) define the acorn market class. Species identity explains cross-compatibility and shared pests with summer squash. Roast acorn halves with oil and salt; mash flesh; stuff cavities. When the catalog lists C. pepo under acorn squash, it anchors botany rather than a single look. Pair Cucurbita pepo with complementary seasonings and a cooking method such as Roast Halves to show the Species Primary side of the ingredient.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Cucurbita pepo was domesticated in Mexico among early American crops.
Eastern North American farming included pepo squash diversity.
Named winter pepo types including acorns entered seed lists.
Acorn-type C. pepo became a standard small winter squash in retail.