Winter squash

Winter squash is an annual fruit representing several species of squash within the genus Cucurbita – odd-shaped, rough or warty, late-growing varieties, less symmetrical, small to medium in size, but with long-keeping qualities and hard rinds. They differ from summer squash in that they are harvested and eaten in the mature stage when their seeds within have matured fully and their skin has hardened into a tough rind. At this stage, most varieties of this vegetable can be stored for use during the winter. Winter squash is generally cooked before being eaten, and the skin or rind is not usually eaten as it is with summer squash.