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Strange Squash

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Bill Spohn

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Strange Squash

by Bill Spohn » Mon Mar 02, 2026 3:47 pm

Came across a couple we rarely see and have never cooked.

Oppo/long/calabash squash - long light green, aka Lauki or Bottle Melon. See https://yummyaddiction.com/how-to-cook-opo-squash/

Fuzzy squash (also known as fuzzy melon, hairy gourd, or mo qua) is a mild-flavored, tender vegetable popular in Chinese cuisine See https://www.madewithlau.com/recipes/fuzzy-melon-vermicelli-shrimp

We shall see......
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Paul Winalski

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Re: Strange Squash

by Paul Winalski » Mon Mar 02, 2026 4:21 pm

I've seen both of these in Asian markets. I've never tried them.

-Paul W.
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Bill Spohn

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Re: Strange Squash

by Bill Spohn » Mon Mar 02, 2026 6:41 pm

Paul Winalski wrote:I've seen both of these in Asian markets. I've never tried them.

-Paul W.


I'll let you know!
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Jeff Grossman

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Re: Strange Squash

by Jeff Grossman » Tue Mar 03, 2026 12:06 am

Good night, Mrs. Oppo, wherever you are. (Ha cha cha cha!)
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Bill Spohn

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Re: Strange Squash

by Bill Spohn » Thu Mar 05, 2026 10:42 am

Tried the oppo last night:

Sautéed Opo Squash
1 opo squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion , thinly sliced
1 clove garlic , minced
Italian seasoning , to taste
salt and black pepper , to taste

Peel the opo squash and cut in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the opo squash, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 10-12 minutes, until the squash is tender.

You lose about half the weight in removing the seeds, but the result tastes oppo good.

I had to make up some new Italian seasoning -

4 tablespoons dried basil

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 tablespoons dried rosemary

2 tablespoons dried marjoram

2 tablespoons dried thyme

2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

Buzz them up in a food processor or mortar and pestle
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Paul Winalski

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Re: Strange Squash

by Paul Winalski » Thu Mar 05, 2026 2:07 pm

Thanks for posting the recipe. I'll have to pick up an oppo squash next time I'm at the Indian grocery.

-Paul W.

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