Silver Edge Pumpkin - Pipian (C. argynosperma)

Silver Edge - Pipian Squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma): squash is one of the most important crops of the Americas, together with maize and beans. Cushaw squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma), including Calabaza de las Aguas, is believed to have been domesticated in Mesoamerica from Cucurbita sororia around 7,000 years ago.

Cushaw squash are distinctive because they are generally grown primarily for their seeds. The flesh of some varieties is also edible and can be used either as summer squash or winter squash.

Silver Edge takes its name from its large seeds, which feature a distinctive silver-coloured border around the seed coat. These seeds are the main attraction of the variety: when roasted, they are eaten as a snack and are traditionally known as pepitas. Roasted and ground, they are also a fundamental ingredient in Pipian, a traditional Mexican sauce related to green mole. The shelled seed has a green colour and a nutty flavour, particularly rich and distinctive.

The flesh of this variety, on the other hand, is not particularly prized for culinary use. It can nevertheless be eaten as summer squash when the fruits are harvested during the early stages of development.

The plant is hardy, moderately vigorous and highly productive. The fruits are relatively small, weighing around 2 kg, and display the same distinctive colouring as the seeds: a white background with silver-coloured stripes.

Sowing and cultivation are broadly similar to those of other squash varieties. Pinching is not necessary, and the plant does not require particularly rich soil, given the small fruit size and the lesser importance of the flesh as a food crop. Water requirements are moderate.

The variety reaches maturity in approximately 110 days from transplanting.

A particularly interesting variety for enthusiasts of traditional cuisine, especially those wishing to grow and use the seeds for preparing pepitas and Pipian