ABSTRACT
Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) is a native of South America. Cucurbita maxima was domesticated in South America and its distribution was limited to that continent until the arrival of Europeans in the New World. Winter squash is a great source of minerals, particularly of potassium and manganese. Winter squash is harvested and eaten at its mature stage, when the seeds become mature fully and the skin turns into a tough rind. Winter Squash has some excellent antioxidant phytonutrients to serve up. Winter squash is a warm season crop and sensitive to cold and frost. Winter squash crop can be raised on a wide range of soils, however, a deep, well-drained sandy loam or loam soil rich in organic matter is considered the best. An improved variety released by Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, bears small round fruits, with flat ends and deep orange and creamy white streaks on the rind.
