The following comes from an article in the Yakima Herald-Republic: Marblehead squash was first introduced in Marblehead, Mass., in 1857. It traveled across the nation with pioneers, arriving in Yakima in 1896. It had the ability to adapt very quickly to new environments, becoming a new variety in each location where it was grown.
The large squash would store for over a year and could feed a very large family, important qualities at a time when families were large and there was no refrigeration. As families became smaller, the Marblehead squashes gradually faded in popularity. It is believed that the Yakima Marblehead is the only Marblehead variety left in existence. Sadly, it is at risk of extinction.
I got these seeds from the Sandhill Preservation Center and they had this to say about the variety: A old variety very popular in the northwest when I was a child in the 1960’s. I remember going to the produce department of the IGA store to get the lettuce leaves and scrap produce for my poultry and see these large sometimes 40-60 pound squash sitting back there . In those days they cut them up and sold chunks in the produce counter. They are a slate blue color and medium dry flesh. A true old time variety
These heirloom seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.
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