Squash belongs to the Curcubitacea family, native to central America. Like lemons, squash started being widely cultivated in Europe after Christopher Columbus made his famous discovery.

Squash is an anti-oxidant, hypo caloric vegetable. Its yellow and orange colours according to chromotherapy, evoke feelings of being in a good mood and enjoying life in humans.
Orange derives from the colours red and yellow. It therefore embodies the strength and vitality of red, tempered by yellow, the colour associated with the mind as well as lemons. It is said to have a beneficial effect on the genital organs, optimizing the functions of ovaries and testicles, and also have a positive influence on the colon and the digestive system. New Age philosophy associates orange with the pelvic area, the second Chakra centre where sexuality and creativity reside.

Although there are many varieties of squash, they usually grouped in one of two categories: summer squash (like zucchini) or winter squash (orange or yellow squash).
Winter squashes have edible pulp and seeds, and are loaded with carotenoids, complex carbohydrates, potassium and B vitamins.
Carotenoids are known for their anti-oxidant properties. They stimulate the immune system, and are converted into vitamin A by the body. You can also find them in carrots, spinach, cabbage, parsley, melons, apricots and oranges.

Like the limonene found in lemons, the carotenoids found in squash help prevent tumours, especially lung cancer.

The pulp is rich in vitamins A, C and beta-carotene. Seeds can be eaten either raw or toasted, and can be used in many dishes. You can add them to salads, breads, sweets or even to soy sauce: just remove them from the pumpkin and let them dry for a few days. Since the seeds are loaded with vitamin E, selenium, magnesium and linoleic acid, they help protect the urinary system and the prostate. Naturopaths suggest taking them to expel intestinal parasites, especially worms.

The notoriety of squash rose thanks to the Cinderella fable (who could possibly forget the pumpkin-into-carriage transformation?), and Halloween night, celebrated on October 31.

Traditional decor for the eve before All Saints Day - All Hallows Eve in English, includes carving spooky faces into pumpkins and placing a candle inside them. The custom derives from the Irish legend of Jack O' Lantern, whom, after tricking the devil himself, was condemned to wonder in Purgatory carrying a lantern made from a turnip.
When the Irish legend migrated to the United States, the traditional turnip was replaced by the more readily available pumpkin.

Should you wish taste original pumpkin delicacies, don't miss "Di Zucca di Zucca", a culinary event that runs from September 8 to December 8 2008 in Mantova.