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Hello Educators!

Please feel free to “Make a Copy” of these slides to edit and use with K-12 students.

Additional resources for Harvest of the Month:

Visit the Harvest of the Month website at:

https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/mnharvestofthemonth/home

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Squash, Calabacita, Bocorka, Taub

What do you know about Squash?

What do you wonder about Squash?

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Elementary Squash Video

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Secondary Video Options

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Minnesota Squash

Squash grow on large vines.

Squash vines are grown in large fields in Minnesota. Squash can also be grown in greenhouses.

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Minnesota Squash

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Minnesota Squash

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You will be eating Squash from:

Share farm name, location, images, videos, etc.

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Find Your Tastes!

There are many types of squash grown in Minnesota! Try as many varieties as you can to discover the squash you like best!

Summer Squash varieties grow well in warm weather. Two popular summer squash varieties are zucchini and patty pan squash.

Winter Squash varieties are planted when the weather is warm in May and June, but harvested in cooler weather in September and October. Winter squash varieties include butternut, acorn, delicata and spaghetti squash.

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Celebrate Culture!

Squash originated in North America over 5,000 years ago. Squash, beans and corn (maize) are known as the three sisters and can be planted together and honored as sacred foods by Native Americans.

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Connect to your Community

Cucurbits is the scientific name for the family of plants that includes pumpkins, squash, gourds and melons, and cucumbers.

Our Minnesota State Fair celebrates the Cucurbits with the largest pumpkin contest! In 2022, James Magneson from New London, MN won the contest with a pumpkin that weighed in at 1676.5 pounds!

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Squash Fun Facts!

  • The Atlantic Giant variety of pumpkins can weigh up to 400 pounds!
  • Colorful winter squash are an excellent source of vitamin A, which our body converts to beta carotene; this helps our vision, bone growth and cells
  • Squash blossoms are edible and can be an ingredient in salads, soups and more!