What is opo squash?
Other names this unique fruit (but more like a vegetable) goes by are bottle gourd, snake gourd, Tasmania bean, and calabash squash. The term Opo squash is Chinese in origin – and it is used in a lot of Asian cuisines. This fruit doesn’t grow well in non-tropical climates (other than in greenhouses) as it needs a long, warm growing season.
What are the best tips for cooking opo squash?
Popular cooking methods for this type of squash include grilling, roasting, baking, stir-frying, and stewing. The squash can be seasoned with a variety of items, and generally absorbs the flavors of other ingredients when it is used in a soup, stew, or casserole. Opo squash can be placed in a roasting pan and roasted in the oven.
How long does opo squash last in the fridge?
When choosing this fruit, look for ones no longer than 15 inches that are firm and heavy for their size. Store it in the crisper for up to 2 weeks. While not a common fruit in North America, Opo squash is a versatile ingredient that’s well worth adding to your repertoire!
How to cook squash for squash soup?
Wash and trim the ends of the squash with a sharp knife. Peel off the skin with a knife or a peeler. Slice the squash in half lengthways and remove any mature seeds. You can then cut it into slices to roast, steam, use in stir-fries, or cubes to add to soups and stews.
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How do you eat opo squash?
Peel off the skin with a knife or a peeler. Slice the squash in half lengthways and remove any mature seeds. You can then cut it into slices to roast, steam, use in stir-fries, or cubes to add to soups and stews. This squash retains its firmness when it is cooked, making it ideal for many applications.
Is the skin of opo squash edible?
Opo squash is a long green vegetable that many people think tastes similar to a zucchini. Its skin is edible, as are the vegetable's seeds and stems. This squash can be served as a side dish and is a very popular ingredient in a number of Asian recipes.
What is opo squash called in English?
Originating from the tropical areas of Southeast Asia, this squash is sometimes referred to as a melon. Actually a variety of squash in the cucumber family, Pul Qua is very popular in Asian cuisine and also called Opo Squash.
Does OPO need to be peeled?
The delicate white meat of the squash, often found in Southeast Asian and Indian dishes, is perfect for soups, stir-fry dishes, tomato sauces and chutneys. Like squash and cucumber, the green outer skin may be eaten and does not need removing. Opo squash will keep well in cool, dry storage for two to three weeks.
Can opo squash be eaten raw?
Mature opo squash should have seeds removed before eating. Prepare opo squash as you would summer squash or zucchini; steam or sautee, roast, add to soups or stews, or simply eat it raw.
Is opo squash high in potassium?
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs....Long Squash (Opo Squash)Amount/serving %Daily Value*Total Fat 0g0%Cholesterol 0mg0%Sodium 2mg0%Potassium 150mg4%2 more rows•Aug 29, 2016
How do you cut an OPO squash?
How To Peel And Cut Opo SquashStep 1: Cut off the ends of opo squash.Step 2: Peel opo squash with vegetable peeler.Step 3: Cut opo squash in half.Step 4: Cut each half of opo squash into cubes. First, slice it legthwise: Then cut the slices into cubes: Now you are ready to cook opo squash!
Can you freeze opo squash?
You can always peel, dice, and freeze it until you are ready to make this dish. I've bought a few opo squashes at one time and done this in the past! It cuts down my prep time and it's perfect because you only have to slightly thaw it out before placing it in the pressure cooker!
Can dogs eat opo squash?
To put it simply, yes — dogs can eat squash. In fact, with all its nutritional benefits, squash should be a part of your dog's regular diet.
What is opo squash in Chinese?
Opo Squash, or “Chinese Long Squash' or 瓠子hù zǐ, is a native Chinese and Southeast Asian squash similar to a zucchini. Belonging to the gourd family, it has pale green skin, white flesh and very mild flavor.
How many calories are in OPO?
Bottle gourd is one of the lowest-calorie vegetables- carrying just 14 calories per 100 g.
What is the English name of upo?
Bottle gourdScientific namesCommon namesLagenaria leucantha (Duch.) RusbyUpo (Tag.)Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) StandleyBottle gourd (Engl.)Lagenaria vulgaris Ser.Calabash gourd (Engl.)Common gourd (Engl.)9 more rows
What is toxic squash syndrome?
Research and toxicity The toxicity associated with consumption of foods high in cucurbitacins is sometimes referred to as "toxic squash syndrome".
Can you eat the skin of kabocha squash?
The kabocha skin is edible. Many Japanese kabocha recipes such as kabocha tempura and simmered kabocha require to keep the skin on. However, if you want to show that beautiful orange color in your recipe, you have to remove the rind as the dark green kabocha skin will not keep the beautiful orange flesh color.
Are upo tops edible?
Its tender leaves and tendrils are also edible; indeed carry higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than the bottle gourd fruit.
Can you eat the skin of zucchini?
You'll get the most health benefits if you eat the colorful skin, which holds the healthy carotenoids. Zucchini skin is soft, thin, and perfectly edible, so don't peel it off.