Opo Squash

Opo Squash. © CooksInfo / 2014

Opo Squash is actually not a squash, but a gourd. Its many names include “Long Squash” (particularly in Canada), and “Snake Gourd”.

It is narrow, and anywhere from 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches) long, and 7 1/2 to 30 cm (3 to 12 inches) wide.

It can curve in on itself, or be stout and plump.

The skin can be yellow to green. It has a hard skin, that stays tough after cooking.

Inside, it has white, firm flesh with seeds in it. It will have a mild taste when young, getting bitter as it ages.

Its subtle taste, like zucchini, needs something with it to make it interesting.

Choose firm ones, with no blemishes and the stem still attached. Younger, smaller ones are sweeter and more tasty.

Opo squash on vine in Bulacan, Phillipines. Judgefloro / wikimedia / 2014 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Cooking Tips

Peel before using; you don’t eat the skin. If the seeds are large, discard them.

Wash, slice in half, scrape seeds out with a spoon. Peel, then use as per recipe.

Use as you would zucchini for soups, stews, frying or stir-frying.

Stays firm and holds its shape when cooked.

1/2 cup, chopped and cooked = 100 g

Store in a plastic bag in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Opo Squash is native to the Mediterranean (particularly Italy), though it is grown in Asia and parts of the Caribbean as well.

Called “Cucuzza” in some parts of Italy, though that may also be used as a general term for squash.

Packing Opo Squash in Pager, California for sale at market on Thursday, August 29, 2013. USDA photo by Bob Nichols. USDA / 2013 / Public Domain