Thingamabobs and Whatchamacallits

  Cucuzza, botanically classified as Lagenaria siceraria, is an heirloom Italian variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Despite their main moniker including the descriptor “squash,” Cucuzza is actually a type of gourd that forms on fast-growing vines reaching up to seven meters (23 feet) in length. Cucuzza vines are a climbing species extending across trellises and fences and feature leafy foliage that often conceals the elongated gourds. Though Cucuzza is botanically a gourd, it is primarily used as a summer squash and is colloquially called a squash, incorporated into a wide array of cooked preparations. Cucuzza gourds, leaves, and young shoots are edible and have a mild, sweet, and subtly vegetal flavor. In southern Italy, Cucuzza is a staple ingredient in summer preparations, and the gourds are sometimes known as Zuzza, Suzza melon, and Cucuzzi in markets. Over time, the plants were spread worldwide through Italian immigrants and became a specialty home garden crop in w...

       Basil (Ocimum basilicum)  Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow, as long as you don’t live in a cold, wet climate.   It would probably do okay in a greenhouse or as an indoor plant if it has enough warmth and light.   There are many, many varieties of basil in the nurseries and online.   Basil is native to Africa and Asia and has been treasured since ancient times.   There are many references to Basil in Herbal folklore including one that Basil was found growing around Jesus’ tomb after the resurrection.     Greek Orthodox churches used it in preparation of Holy Water.   In India it was used in the courts on which to swear oaths.   In Haiti, it is believed to offer a powerful protection from evil spells, and in some Central American countries it is sometimes carried in a pocket to attract money!   Sweet Basil is one of the best-known varieties, but it also comes in lemon, lime, cinnamon flavors. ...