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A cucuzza is a type of squash that grows well in warmer climates. It is native to the Mediterranean, especially Italy, and is also grown in parts of Asia including China, Taiwan, and Japan. Cucuzza squash has a round, elongated shape and because of this, is also known as the "bottle gourd". Additional common names for cucuzza include cucuzzi, calabash, suzza melon, zuzza, as well as New Guinea bean and Tasmania bean.
Because cucuzza is a member of the squash family it can be used in recipes that call for zucchini or yellow squash. Although it has a flavor that is mild and similar to a cucumber, it is used mainly in dishes that require cooking. For example, cucuzza is excellent when combined with other vegetables and added to stir-fries or stews. You can also bake, steam, or microwave whole, peeled cucuzza. When cooked, the vegetable retains a firm texture, which also adds to its appeal as a side dish.
You can recognize a cucuzza by its light green-colored outer skin and its attractive, curved shape. Additionally, cucuzzas can grow to a length of 15 inches and are approximately 3 inches in width. Cucuzzas can be purchased at some larger supermarket chains and at many specialty grocery stores, typically during the months of June through November. When selecting a cucuzza, make sure that you choose only those that are firm and that have little or no blemishes on them. Once purchased, you can safely store a cucuzza in your home for up to one week provided that the cucuzza is stored whole in your refrigerator.
When you are ready to use the cucucca, you must first remove its outer skin by peeling it off. Once the skin is removed, inside you will find light white-colored flesh and some seeds. If the seeds are very large, remove them first before using the vegetable. Otherwise, you can cook the cuzucca as is with its seeds intact. Cucuzza is especially good when cut into pieces and added to a soup mix. Additionally, if you can purchase young cucuzza, buy it, because the flesh inside will be especially sweet and tasty.
Cucuzza is popular worldwide because it is a diverse vegetable and also offers many nutritional benefits. A 1/2-cup serving of cucuzza, which is approximately 100 grams, contains only 20 calories. Additionally, cucuzza contains no fat or cholesterol, and provides a good source of the vitamins A and C. Cucuzza is also an easy vegetable to grow and a hearty one as well. This is because as the cucuzza matures it naturally repels insects and diseases. Because of the cucuzza's unique shape and hard, outer skin, certain peoples also use dried, larger cucuzzas to make drinking gourds out of them.
The cucuzza is an interesting vegetable because of its ability to be used as a food source and to be made into a cooking utility item. Because of this, over the years the cucuzza has retained its ability to provide chefs with a culinary staple in the form of a delicious, versatile squash.
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