Tromboncino (squash)

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Tromboncino, also known as zucchetta rampicante or climbing zucchini, is a summer squash from Liguria, Italy. It is unusual because it comes from Cucurbita moschata, not the common Cucurbita pepo, and it grows as a long, trailing vine. It tolerates some common squash pests better than typical bushy summer squash, though it starts producing more slowly. The fruit is usually pale green and turns beige as it matures; for summer use it’s harvested at about a foot long. If left to mature, the fruit can grow over three feet and become a winter squash with a watery butternut-like flesh. It’s delicious roasted or in stews and soups. It has many names, including climbing zucchini, climbing crookneck, trombolino d'albenga, trombetta, and serpentine squash.