Chilacayote (aka Alacyote, Zambo, Malabar gourd, Fig-leaved gourd)
Cucurbita ficifolia
Origin: Highlands – wet, cool South America
Plant: March – Sept
Harvest: July – Dec
Pick young squash before the seeds form, slice or grate into stir-fries or salads. Mature squash keep well and can be baked whole or halved. The seed can be eaten raw or roasted (high in oleic acid). Chilacyote are high in pectin for jam making. Flowers, stems and tips are also edible.