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Musquee de Provence squash is medium to large in size, averaging 15-20 pounds, and is round with a flattened shape. The smooth rind is deeply ribbed and lobed when fully mature and ripens from a mottled green to a rich, burnt orange or terra cotta. The thick, fine-textured, firm flesh is a vibrant orange and contains a small central cavity that contains minimal fibers and is filled with flat, cream-colored, tear-drop shaped seeds. When cooked, Musquee de Provence squash is tender, has a mild, spicy scent, and a sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Musquee de Provence squash is available in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Musquee de Provence, botanically classified as Cucurbita moschata, is a winter heirloom variety and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with pumpkins and gourds. Named for its musky scent and also known as Muscade de Provence and the Fairytale pumpkin, Musquee de Provence belongs to the “cheese pumpkin” group, so-called for their resemblance to a wheel of cheese. Musquee de Provence squash is one of the only hard squash varieties that can be consumed raw and is known for its long storage capabilities, delicate flesh, and sweet flavor.
Nutritional Value
Musquee de Provence squash is high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, and contains omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and copper.
Applications
Musquee de Provence squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, sautéing, baking, boiling, and grilling, but it can also be consumed raw and used for a variety of sweet applications. The large squash should be cut from the center, like a pie, and requires a very sharp knife. On average, one wedge will provide enough squash for one recipe. Raw wedges or slices of the squash can be eaten like cantaloupe. Roast wedges or diced pieces and serve as is, use in pies, baked goods, soups, or sauces. Incorporate into risotto, pasta, or green salads. Musquee de Provence squash will pair well with pecans, rum, eggs, onions, garlic, and meats such as ground beef, poultry, and sausage, fennel seeds, red bell peppers, zucchini, brown rice, quinoa, or farro. Musquee de Provence squash will keep for up to nine months when stored in a cool, dry location and for up to two weeks when sliced and stored in the refrigerator. Freeze cut pieces of squash for up to six months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Farms in the south of France harvest and sell Musquee de Provence squash whole or by the wedge. Due to the sheer size of the squash, it is commonly sold in more manageable pieces as one piece is still a sizable amount to consume. The large squash is cut at the farm in a wedge like a pie slice, all seeds, and fibrous tissues are cut and cleaned away with a knife, and the wedge is wrapped in plastic and ready for market. This squash is favored for its ability to be consumed raw, its unusual orange-red flesh, and for its use in pies.
Geography/History
Cucurbita species originated in Central and South America and were brought back to Europe via Spanish explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Musquee de Provence squash is a hybrid developed in Europe in the 19th century and is most well-known in the Provence region in the south of France that borders Italy and includes the coastal French Riveria. It was then introduced to the United States in the 1899 and was first sold by a seed store in Chicago. Today the French heirloom is most often spotted at local farmers markets throughout France and is sold through online seed companies in the United States, Europe, and South Africa.
Musquee de Provence squash is harvested and sold whole or in wedges across farms in southern France. Known for its impressive size, it is often cut into manageable pie slice-shaped pieces, with seeds and fibrous tissues removed. Wrapped in plastic for convenience, it is cherished for its ability to be eaten raw, its vibrant orange-red flesh, and its versatility in pie-making.
D'Acquisto Farms
San Diego, CA
Musquee de Provence are large squash, weighing 15-20 pounds, has a flattened shape with deep ribbing. It ripens from green to a rich orange or terra cotta hue. Its flesh is vibrant orange, fine-textured, and firm, and it contains minimal fibers. The sweet, tender squash exudes a mild, spicy scent when cooked and is perfect for culinary uses due to its flavor and texture.
Musquee de Provence squash: This squash can weigh between 15-20 pounds and has a flattened, round shape with a deeply ribbed, smooth rind. Its flesh is firm and vibrantly orange, ideal for cooking, as it turns tender with a sweet flavor and mild, spicy scent. The squash seeds are tear-drop shaped, cream-colored, and found in a small central cavity with minimal fibers.
Musquee de Provence squash is versatile in both raw and cooked forms and suits dishes from hearty risottos to delicate pies. When stored whole in a cool, dry place, it lasts up to nine months, while sliced pieces keep for two weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze cut squash for up to six months. It pairs wonderfully with ingredients like pecans, rum, garlic, and meats, enhancing everything from soups to grain salads with its sweet, nutty flavor.
Green market
Zhibek Zholy 53
Musque squash grown on a Kazak farm…..Musquee de Provence squash, or Fairytale pumpkin, is a winter heirloom variety known for its musky scent and resemblance to a wheel of cheese. Unlike most hard squashes, it can be eaten raw and is valued for its sweet flavor, delicate flesh, and ability to store for long periods. It is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and copper.
McGrath Family Farms
Oxnard, CA
+18054443444
Squash season is rolling with these beautiful Musque de Provence…Musque de Provence squash, a French heirloom, was introduced to the United States in 1899 and first sold by a seed store in Chicago. Originating in Provence, France, the variety remains popular at farmers markets across France. Its seeds, meanwhile, are widely available online in the United States, Europe, and South Africa, making it accessible for growers worldwide.
Athinagoras Ltd
Central market of Athens D-46
Info@athinagoras
Musquee de Provence squash has vibrant orange-red flesh and is favored for its versatility. In southern France, it is often sold in wedges, making it easier to handle due to its large size. Farms clean and prepare the squash by removing seeds and fibrous tissues before wrapping it for sale. This unique squash is prized for being consumable raw and for its distinct flavor, commonly used in pie recipes.
Elsey and Bent
Musquee de Provence squash is medium to large, weighing 15-20 pounds, with a round, flattened shape. Its deeply ribbed rind transitions from mottled green to a burnt orange or terra cotta hue at maturity. Inside, the vibrant orange flesh is thick, firm, and fine-textured, with a small cavity holding tear-drop shaped cream-colored seeds. Cooked, this squash becomes tender with a sweet flavor and mild, spicy aroma.
Paul Thurston
1012 W. Ventura Blvd , Camarillo 91360
Musque Squash spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. …Musquee de Provence squash really stands out in the kitchen. It pairs well with ingredients like pecans, rum, onions, garlic, and meats such as beef, poultry, and sausage. This squash can be roasted, used in pies, baked goods, soups, sauces, risottos, pastas, or even green salads. Impressively, whole squash can last up to nine months in storage, sliced pieces two weeks in the fridge, or six months in the freezer.
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