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Can I eat this squash?

 
pioneer
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I have been given a mystery squash, and I'm not even sure if it's good to eat.  I'm hoping someone here might know ..
2026-10-Warty-Yellow-Squash.jpg
A small lumpy yellow winter squash
A small lumpy yellow winter squash
 
master steward
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May suggestion would be to cook it and if it is bitter throw it away.
 
pollinator
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There are toxic squashes, the toxin in them is cucurbitacin, which is bitter. Therefore, if you get a squash, pumpkin, zucchini, ... which is bitter, don't eat it, you might die.

The toxin can be tasted even in the raw stage, I taste test them before even trying to cook them.

One caveat: some people do not have the taste receptors for bitterness. They are more at risk of cucurbitacin poisoning, as they do not notice the toxin.
 
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Testing for existence of bitter receptors. Grab a handful of dandelion leaves. Better yet, a handful of wild lettuce leaves. Stuff them in your mouth, chew with enthusiasm. Did you make a face? Does it taste bitter? Cool! Now you know you have the receptors.
 
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