Tromboncino (squash) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cucurbita moschata 'Tromboncino' |
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Tromboncino summer squash, with blossoms
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| Species | Cucurbita moschata |
| Cultivar | Tromboncino |
| Origin | Liguria, Italy |
Tromboncino (say "trom-bon-CHEE-no") is a special kind of squash. It's also called zucchetta (say "dzook-KET-tah"). Most often, people pick it when it's young and use it like a summer squash.
What makes Tromboncino different? Most summer squashes are from a plant family called Cucurbita pepo. But Tromboncino is from a different family, Cucurbita moschata. This is the same family that many winter squashes belong to.
Unlike many summer squashes that grow in a bushy way, Tromboncino grows on long vines, just like many winter squashes. These vines can spread out a lot! Tromboncino plants are also tougher against some common garden problems, like certain bugs and plant diseases. This means they can be easier to grow for some gardeners.
The fruits start out pale green. As they get older, they turn a light beige color. When people pick them as summer squash, they are usually about one foot (30 cm) long. Tromboncino is an heirloom plant, which means it's an old type of plant that has been grown for many, many years. It first came from a place called Liguria in Italy. It's still very popular there and in other countries too.
If you let Tromboncino grow big and ripe, it becomes a winter squash. When it's fully grown, it can be over three feet (90 cm) long! People often say the taste of a ripe Tromboncino is a bit like a butternut squash, but with more water. You can roast its flesh or use it in tasty stews and soups.
What Are Its Other Names?
Tromboncino has many other names around the world! Here are a few you might hear:
- Zucchetta rampicante
- Zucchino rampicante
- Climbing zucchini
- Climbing crookneck
- Trombolino d'albenga
- Trombetta
- Serpentine squash
Images for kids
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A mature Tromboncino squash, also known as Rampicante, turns beige when fully grown.
