The species we now recognize as summer squash — which is actually the same species that gives us all varieties of pumpkins, winter squash, and many ornamental gourds — seems to be one of the first plants domesticated by humans. For at least 10,000 years humans have molded the traits of this plant and its fruit to reflect our various preferences for appearance, flavor and texture, and ease of cultivation. (And yes, like many foods cooks consider “vegetables,” botanists actually categorize squashes as a fruit). Listen to learn more…

This Field Note was written by Kara Cromwell. Would you be interested in writing one? Contact Allison De Jong, Field Notes editor, at adejong [at] montananaturalist [dot] org or 406.327.0405. Please visit the Field Notes website at the Montana Natural History Center for more information.