Buffalo Gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cucurbita foetidissima is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil with a very pleasant nutty flavour, but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat. — Used as a vegetable, it can also be dried for later use.; The young fruit is used, it is bitter and becomes more bitter as it gets older.; One report says that the fruit contains up to 23% protein, though this would be very unusual in a fruit.; The fruit is up to 7cm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry or sandy soils from Mexico northwards to Missouri and Nebraska. (Zone 6)