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Snake squash is a long, curved vegetable with a thin, green outer skin that features white stripes. Although Snake squash can grow up to 1.8 meters in length, it is best harvested when the fruit is young, at between 30 to 60 centimeters in length. The inner flesh of the Snake squash is white and spongy, much like that of the zucchini. It is relatively bland, and takes on the flavor of the seasonings it is cooked with. Some varieties have a mildly bitter taste, which disappears upon cooking.
Seasons/Availability
Snake squash is available year-round.
Current Facts
Snake squash is botanically classified as Trichosanthes cucumerina, from the Cucurbitaceae family. Throughout the world, the names of "squash" and "gourd" are used interchangeably, and thus the Snake Squash is also commonly referred to as the Snake gourd. Snake squash is a tropical vegetable that thrives in hot temperatures. It grows on a climbing vine. Snake squashes tend to curl as they grow, and must be trellised and weighted at the end of the fruit, in order for them to grow straight. They should be eaten when young, as the older fruit turn very bitter and fibrous when they are mature.
Nutritional Value
Snake squash contains fiber, vitamin A, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, potassium and iron.
Applications
Snake squash may be used in curries, dals and soups. It can be used in chutneys and pickles, and can be sautéed. Use Snake squashes in any recipe that calls for zucchini. Store Snake squash in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 2 weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Snake squashes have been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cooling, inflammatory ingredient. Their shoots, leaves and seeds are used throughout Southeast Asia as vegetables and in various traditional medicines. In Italy, the name "Snake squash" in Italy refers to the Cucuzza squash, a variety of Bottle gourd.
Geography/History
Snake squash is a popular vegetable in India and Southeast Asia. It is one of the oldest domesticated crops in India. Snake squash was introduced to Europe by way of China in 1720. Today, Snake squash is also commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical parts of South America and Australia. It is a common home garden crop in Africa, where the pulp of the mature fruit is used as a substitute for tomatoes.
Snake squash is a long, slender vegetable with green skin adorned with white stripes. It can grow up to an impressive 1.8 meters, though it is ideal to harvest it at 30 to 60 centimeters for the best taste. Its white, spongy flesh is reminiscent of zucchini, with a subtle flavor that absorbs the spices and ingredients it is cooked with. Cooking also removes the mild bitterness found in some varieties.
Tekka Center
665 Buffalo Rd Little India 210665
Snake squash can be a versatile addition to your kitchen. You can enjoy it in curries, dals, soups, chutneys, and pickles, or simply sauté it. It works as an excellent substitute in recipes that call for zucchini. To keep it fresh, store it in the refrigerator, where it has a shelf life of up to 2 weeks.
Tekka Center
665 Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665
Snake squash grows on climbing vines and needs special care to maintain straight growth; trellising and weighting the fruit's end are necessary. While they are best consumed young due to their mild and tender flavor, mature fruits become bitter and fibrous. This tropical vegetable thrives in hot temperatures and is rich in vitamin A, fiber, calcium, potassium, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and iron.
Me-Kong Supermarket
380 S Main Street Milpitas CA 95035
(408) 493-5777
Snake squash is a versatile vegetable with deep historical roots. It is one of the oldest crops domesticated in India and was introduced to Europe from China in 1720. This crop thrives in tropical and subtropical regions across South America, Australia, and Africa. In Africa, the pulp of mature snake squash is uniquely used as a tomato substitute, showcasing its adaptability in diverse culinary traditions.
Namaste Plaza
10 S Abbot Street Milpitas CA 95035
(408) 493-6786
Snake squashes have a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine, valued for their cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Across Southeast Asia, not only the fruit but also the shoots, leaves, and seeds of snake squashes are commonly used as vegetables and in traditional remedies. Interestingly, in Italy, the term "Snake squash" refers specifically to the Cucuzza squash, a type of Bottle gourd, showcasing its global cultural significance.
Patel Brothers
1315 S Arizona Ave Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 821-0811
Snake squash can grow up to 1.8 meters long, but it's best harvested young, between 30 to 60 centimeters. It has thin green skin with white stripes and white, spongy inner flesh, similar to zucchini. Its flavor is bland and adapts to the seasonings used when cooking. Any mild bitterness present disappears when cooked. Whether roasted, sautéed, or stewed, its texture complements many dishes.
Tan Phat Oriental Market
1702 W Camelback Road #5 Phoenix AZ 85015
(602) 242-6119
Snake squash can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. It works well in curries, dals, soups, chutneys, and pickles or can be simply sautéed. You can also substitute it in recipes that call for zucchini. To extend its freshness, store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks.
Snake Squash, botanically known as Trichosanthes cucumerina, thrives in tropical climates and grows on climbing vines. To grow straight, the fruit often requires trellising and weighting. It is best consumed young, as mature squash becomes bitter and fibrous. Rich in fiber, vitamin A, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, and iron, it offers a variety of nutritional benefits.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St, San Diego, Ca 92110
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Snake squash is one of the oldest domesticated crops in India and is widely grown in Southeast Asia. It was introduced to Europe from China in 1720 and has since spread to tropical and sub-tropical regions of South America and Australia. In Africa, it is a common home garden crop, where the pulp of the mature fruit serves as a substitute for tomatoes in certain dishes.
Snake Squash has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond the fruit itself, its shoots, leaves, and seeds are prevalent as vegetables and medicinal components across Southeast Asia. In Italy, "Snake squash" refers specifically to the Cucuzza squash, which is a variety of Bottle gourd.
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