User talk:Campbellab/sandbox

Calabaza, also called West Indian pumpkin, is a winter squash typically grown in the West Indies and tropical America.

The word calabasa is derived from the Persian term for melon (kharbuz). The French term calabasse, and hence the English "calabash", is based on the older Spanish.

Cultivars
In North America, the Spanish word "calabaza" may refers to any of several species of squash of the genus Cucurbita. The term is most commonly used for cultivars of the species C. moschata, which is native to the Caribbean. The skin color typica, varying from dark green to light yellow. The flesh can also vary in color, but most common is bright orange or yellow. Varieties differ somewhat in taste and texture, but are generally slightly sweet with a firm but soft texture. Cultivars of the species C. maxima may also use the term if they resemble the C. moschata cultivars, and widespread species C. foetidissima specifically identifies "calabaza" as one of its common names.

History
Calabaza is the common name used for ''Cucurbita moschata’’ (Duchesne) in Florida and Puerto Rico. ''C. moschata’’ (Duchense) is also popular in the Dominican Republic where it is called auyama, ayote in Central America, zapallo in South America, and pumpkin and/or calabash in English-speaking islands.

Campbellab (talk) 18:22, 22 November 2017 (UTC)Campbellab

Uses
Calabaza is eaten many different ways, such as in stews, cakes, and candies. It can also be used in place of pumpkin varieties The taste is smooth and somewhat sweet. Calabaza is a good source of beta-carotene, some of which can be converted into vitamin A.

Under Spanish colonial influence, squashes became established in other regions. C. maxima and C. moschata, in particular, are well known in the Philippines under the name kalabasa.

The flower (flor de calabaza) is used as an ingredient in quesadillas, empanadas and other dishes in Mexican cuisine and New Mexican cuisine, and in pupusas in Salvadoran cuisine.

The seeds, toasted and seasoned, known as pepitas, are a common snack.