Squash, also called fuzzy melon, winter melon and winter gourd. It is a member of the cucurbit family (cucumber), hence its fruits sprout from sprawling vines. The plant is cultivated for its fruit, however, its leaves, shoots and tendrils can be used as cooking or salad greens. Squash has the initial appearance of a faintly spotted cucumber or zucchini. Its mellow flavor makes it a great companion vegetable to bolder flavored ingredients and rich proteins.

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Squash can be eaten raw, sautéed, stewed, roasted and fried. Winter melon tea, another Asian drink is also made from this fruit. Not only the melons, leaves and shoots of this plant are also nutritious and hence consumed as green vegetables. It can be blended into smoothie with lime and salt.

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Squash has several vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, riboflavin, iron, thiamine, niacin and Vitamin C. It is used in Ayurvedic treatments for regaining appetite and treating chapped lips, a powder made by grinding the seeds of this fruit vegetable can be applied. Juice of this fruit / vegetable is also accepted as a remedy for kidney stones.