Candystick Dessert (Open-pollinated)
Zeppelin (open-pollinated)

(Curcurbita pepo)
Delicata

In general, C. pepo varieties are not considered “long storing.” These include pumpkins (or what Americans call pumpkins), spaghetti, delicata, and acorn types. In general, we recommend these are the types of squash you buy and eat in the fall and early winter. They don’t need to cure and don’t store as long.

Delicata are unlike other squash. They are relatively small and often eaten as single serving squash. A delicata type squash was first introduced by a seed company in the US in 1894. In our project, we have evaluated two open-pollinated varieties of delicata that have been selected for strong performance and longer storage in western Oregon - Zeppelin (Wild Garden Seed) and Candystick Dessert (Carol Deppe/Fertile Valley Seeds).

Delicatas in general are not particularly long storing, but these varieties can store into January. Many home cooks simply slice them lengthwise, remove the seeds, and bake them cut-side down for 20 minutes. SIMPLE!

• very good flavor

• stores well for delicata

• crowd pleaser

When to Find/Eat: September - January