Who says new parents can't talk about anything but their kid? You introduce this fascinating topic into the conversation, and you'll be the hit of the office holiday party:
...[S]quashes are divided among Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita argyrosperma...Carve The Pumpkin, Eat The Squash [NYT]Pepos, a group that includes zucchini, the thin-skinned summer squash, are blander. Orange pumpkins are in this subdivision, as are acorn, spaghetti squash, pattypan or scallop, crookneck and small delicatas.
"Most Americans are eating pepos when the maximas are so much better," Ms. Goldman said...
The largest varieties, which can average 25 pounds, are grown for baby food...
Ms. Goldman's book, The Compleat Squash: A Passionate Grower's Guide to Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds, is available at Amazon.com.
