The listing, 10 Calabaza Melon Seeds AKA Caribbean Pumpkin, Last Batch! has ended.
Up for auction is another hard to find melon, but this one is actually a caribbean variety of pumpkin known as Calabaza (Cucurbita moschata), and technically in the squash family.
Extremely versatile, disease-resistant, and hardy it can be prepared as either a sweet or a savory dish, traditionally eaten in Latin American countries, the West Indies, and in Central and South America.
Steam, bake, saute, or boil.
With the piece pictured I cut it into chunks, peeled off the skin, and steamed the Calabaza for 45 minutes, then emptied it into a bowl with honey, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Then I mashed it, resulting in a dish that tasted almost indistinguishable from sweet potato!
It is high in Vitamins A and C, and high in Potassium.
In addition to the flesh, the leaves, and blossoms of the Calabaza can be eaten.
Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus are the most important nutrients necessary to be successful with this fruit.
The vines are said to grow 2 feet a day once well established, and it grows easily in many parts of the US (pretty much any zone where pumpkins will grow).
Before attempting to germinate soak seeds overnight.
http://growitfromseed.com/growing-calabaza-auyama-seed-story-bought-fruit/
Vines can get as long as 50 feet.
Fruit is mature at 100-115 days from the seedling stage, whereas some new strains can be harvested in 80 days.
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/666703/Future-of-pumpkins-Calabaza-is-easier-to-grow-and-tastes-better.html?pg=all
Harvest before frost.
It can be stored safely for 2 weeks even at temperatures of 80-85 Degrees Fahrenheit, and for 3 months @ 50-55 Degrees F.
For full instructions go to; http://www.desu.edu/sites/default/files/Calabaza.pdf
The lucky winner of this auction will receive 10 beautiful white seeds rimmed in golden orange.
Please provide Listia verified address promptly upon winning.. If not done within 7 days, item will be re-listed and I retain points.