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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Turban squash can range in color from mottled green, orange to yellow in color, often displaying all of these colors on a single squash. At its blossom end is a turban-like cap, thus its name. This ornamental and edible variety can measure ten to fifteen inches in diameter and is heavy for its size. Wrapped in a thin but hard shell, the fine-textured orange flesh can vary from mild to sweet depending upon variety. When cooked the flesh has a floury texture that lends itself well to soups and stews.
Seasons/Availability
Turban squash is available in the late summer through the winter months.
Current Facts
The Turban squash, botanically classified as part of Cucurbita maxima, is a group of squashes known for having a shape similar to that of their namesake. Commonly known types are Turk’s Turban, French Turban, American Turban, and Marina di Chioggia. Due to the Turban squash's bright colors, unique shape and semi-bland flavor it is most frequently used today as an ornamental squash.
Nutritional Value
Turban squash is an excellent source of vitamin A and offers a good source of vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and potassium, plus notable amounts beta-carotene.
Applications
The large size and unique shape of the Turban squash make it a task to cut. Typically the acorn like protrusion is sliced off first then both that and the round cap are cut into wedges or cubes. The cut squash can then be cooked and then once cooled the skin removed. Turban squash shines when baked, roasted, and steamed. Cooked squash can be used whole as an accompaniment to meats and vegetable mains or pureed and added to soups, stews, and sauces as a thickener. The mild flesh of this winter squash pairs well with a wide range of companion ingredients such as pear, apple, chard, corn, kale, parsley, cilantro, nutmeg, cardamom, brown sugar, butter, cream, melting and hard cheeses, toasted nuts, ground beef, bacon and roasted chicken. To store: keep the whole, uncut, squash in a cool dry place. Care should be taken to not damage the cap of the squash as it is the most delicate part of the Turban squash and where rot is most likely to occur first. Once cut it is best to wrap cut pieces in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Turban squash was known in France as Giraumon Turban and images of it can be found in Vilmorin-Andrieux’s famous album of illustrations, Les Plantes Potagères. A reprint book of his illustrations uses a close-up of the Turban squash featured on plate No. 23 originally illustrated in 1871 as the book’s cover photo.
Geography/History
The Turban squash is first mentioned in the 1818 publication of Le Bon Jardinier. Prior to 1818, there were no doubt turban shaped varieties though eating quality was so poor that there is little documentation of theses varieties. A variety known as the French Turban is said to predate 1820, its flavor was bland and texture watery, so it was predominantly used as an ornamental. This French Turban, however, would go on to be parent along with the hubbard, acorn, and autumnal marrow to the American Turban which offered a much more desirable flavor and texture. Turban squash grows on vines which can reach eight to ten feet in length. Squash tend to be ready for harvest within 115 days of planting and should be harvested before the first hard frost of the season.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Turban Squash. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Sports-Glutton |
|
Smoked and Spicy Stuffed Turks Turban Squash |
| Paleo Leap |
|
Turban Squash Soup |
| Desert Candy |
|
Nutty Pumpkin Dip |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Turban Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Pike Place Fish Market
Corner Produce Pike Place
Near Seattle, Washington, United States1500 Pike St, Seattle 206-535-7562 About 304 days ago, 10/20/17 Spotter's comments : Turban Squash spotted at Pike Place Fish Market. Straight from a pumpkin patch in Portland, OR. A lovely, seasonal addition to your stew or soup ;) 
Uwajimaya
Near Seattle, Washington, United StatesAbout 341 days ago, 9/12/17 Spotter's comments : Turban Squash spotted at Uwajimaya. |
