Illinois Squash

AMAZING FLAVOR AND PRODUCTION! (C. mixta) 95 days. The legendary pumpkin of the South and famously favored by Abraham Lincoln’s family! Also known as White Crookneck Pumpkin, the custardy, dry flesh is outstanding in pies and other traditional squash recipes. The flavor is rich and buttery and subtly sweet but not overly saccharine, which makes it widely versatile. Many old timers prepare the flesh just like potatoes, which is how we like them, just sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil. Southerners consider it the standard for pumpkin pie. This big, white fruit is oblong with a few faint small, green stripes, a crooked neck and bulbous bottom. The large vines are vigorous and especially well suited to the south and central U.S. Popular in southern Illinois, often cultivated in cornfields. A Native American squash that has an ancient history. Our foundation seed came from collector Kevin McCarty, who writes that the variety was grown continuously on a particular Illinois farm from 1830 to 1980, the original seed having been provided by Abraham Lincoln’s parents! Indeed, according to historical record, Thomas Lincoln purchased seeds for Cushaw squash at the trading post in Lexington, Ky, took it home and grew it on his farm in Hodgenville, KY. When the Lincolns moved to Indiana and finally, Illinois, their beloved family heirloom Cushaw joined them. Grow this most delectable piece of American history!