the American name which embraces numerous members of the genus Cucurbita in the cucurbit family (Cucurbitacae). The name is derived from the Massachusett Indian word askutasquash, meaning ‘eaten raw’. Cymling is also an American Indian word for a white, scalloped squash.
Because of their differing characteristics and uses, the squashes are best dealt with in several entries rather than one. These entries, which correspond more to popular names than to botanical classifications, are: summer squash, winter squash, vegetable marrow, and zucchini (the last two of which are the same vegetable at different stages of growth). See also vegetable spaghetti.
Alan Davidson was a distinguished author and publisher, and one of the world's best-known writers on fish and fish cookery. In 1975 he retired early from the diplomatic service—after serving in, among other places, Washington, Egypt, Tunisia, and Laos, where he was British Ambassador—to pursue a fruitful second career as a food historian and food writer extraordinaire. Among his popular books are Seafood of South-East Asia, North Atlantic Seafood, and Mediterranean Seafood. In 2003, shortly before his death, he was awarded the Erasmus Prize for his contribution to European culture.
