Opo Squash or long squash, as it is often called in Canada, isn’t actually a type of squash at all but rather a gourd. Other names this unique fruit (but more like a vegetable) goes by are bottle gourd, snake gourd, Tasmania bean, and calabash squash.
The term Opo squash is Chinese in origin – and it is used in a lot of Asian cuisines. This fruit doesn’t grow well in non-tropical climates (other than in greenhouses) as it needs a long, warm growing season. See some other unique vegetables like Jicama, Kohlrabi, Chayote Squash, spaghetti squash, and more.
It is native to the Mediterranean / North African region. It is also now very commonly grown in Southeast Asia as well. In fact, the Calabash squash is one of the first known plants cultivated by humans over 10,000 years ago!
Unlike most other summer squashes (because even though it isn’t technically a squash, you should treat it as one when cooking it) it doesn’t grow on the ground.
Helpful Items For This Post
Opo Bottle Gourd, Calabash Long Squash/Melon Seeds
Instead, Opo squash grows on trellises or other vertical supports. The squash themselves hang to grow, giving them their long cylindrical shape or, as shown above, a more bottleneck shape. When they are left to grow on the ground, there isn’t enough air circulation, and they end up more round than long, which makes them less tender.
This squash or gourd grows up to 3 feet long and can be up to a foot in diameter, but that makes the flesh tough and bitter. So, it is typically harvested when it is between 10 and 15 inches long, with 12 inches being the most common size sold in stores.
The outer is a light green color with smooth skin that can be tough. It requires a sharp peeler or knife to slice off. The flesh is firm and creamy white in color. The small seeds are fine to eat. Larger ones are similar to other squash seeds and should be removed before cooking.
What Does Opo Squash Taste Like?
When harvested at optimal length (not allowed to grow beyond about 15 inches), Opo squash has a very mild flavor. This is similar to zucchini.
It’s not uncommon to see it grated and used in quick bread and muffins. Not unlike North Americans use zucchini in quick bread and muffins.
Is Opo Squash Healthy?
Yes, like other summer squashes, Opo squash is quite healthy. It is high in fiber, contains vitamins B and C, and is a source of iron, calcium, and zinc.
How to Cook Opo Squash
Wash and trim the ends of the squash with a sharp knife. Peel off the skin with a knife or a peeler. Slice the squash in half lengthways and remove any mature seeds.
You can then cut it into slices to roast, steam, use in stir-fries, or cubes to add to soups and stews. This squash retains its firmness when it is cooked, making it ideal for many applications.
When choosing this fruit, look for ones no longer than 15 inches that are firm and heavy for their size. Store it in the crisper for up to 2 weeks.
While not a common fruit in North America, Opo squash is a versatile ingredient that’s well worth adding to your repertoire!
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Pin it HERE!!
Comments & Reviews
chinta says
yes we get these squash in the caribbean they comes in all shapes sometimes 3 feet long and they taste very nice
Tara Noland says
Wow, would love to see a 3 foot long one!! That is cool.
Kristy says
I just bought this and went looking for recipes. Chanced upon your page and glad i saw the pic bc when I sliced mine in half, it’s completely hollow in the middle. 😳Does that mean it’s old? The outside looked fine.
Ken Noland says
This can sometimes happen as a result of inadequate fertilization of the flower. The flower was likly poorly pollinated perhaps as a result of hot conditions or lack of pollinating insects. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your squash was old.
Ray Robertson says
Can you eat the peal? Will the peel cook?
Tara Noland says
On younger ones you can but on larger older ones the skin gets tough and needs to be peeled.
Teresa says
I bought 3 at superstore. I have never had them before but they were very cheap so I tried. They were delicious.
Tara Noland says
Excellent I am glad you tried and liked them!!
judy says
Can you eat it uncooked In a salad ?
Tara Noland says
Yes, similar to zucchini or cucumber in a salad. You may want to peel it depending on the skin, smaller ones have a thinner skin and large ones have a more tough skin.
Magdalena Arguelles says
Hello, My Father grew this when I was growing up in Chicago. We are originally from the Philippines. I grew this for the first time this year and find it to be such a beautiful plant with velvety, rounded leaves. The white flowers are short lived but lovely as well. Will be try cooking it in stir fry~my first time! My Father used to cook it in soups. Found your site trying to find out when the right time to pick the upo is.
Tara Noland says
I am glad you found us and I hope the post has answered some of your questions. Enjoy your opo!!
Diane says
I wanted to slice with skin on and roast with zucchini. Do I have to remove seeds. Is that an ok flavour combination
Tara Noland says
They are both mild squash so they would be okay together for sure. You don’t have to remove the seeds.
Linda says
Can you eat OPO Squash leaves?
If so, what is best and safe way to eat and prepare them?
Thank you!
Tara Noland says
You can eat some squash leaves like pumpkin I believe but I have never seen opo squash leaves used. Sorry I don’t know the answer to this.
Killoran says
I love this, and it gets me through until my cuccuzi starts producing. Fortunately my favorite Asian grocery sells it. I tried a new thing today, and thought it was very good. Peel and slice (like small hamburger patties). I dusted the slices with powdered ranch dressing and sautéed one side. Flip and sauté the other side. Put a slice of tomato on top. Flip again to cook the tomato, but this gets messy, so not necessary. Then with the cooked tomato on top add a little cheese. I used Swiss, but mozzarella would work. I keep the pan covered when I’m not flipping. The cheese goes on last, and it’s ready to eat when the cheese melts. It was delicious. I had it with an egg for breakfast.
Tara Noland says
Sounds good, thank you so much for sharing!!
Ting says
In the article you called opo squash a vegetable. I believe it is a fruit.
Tara Noland says
I believe you are right, let me change that. Didn’t think of it as a fruit.
Maureen says
I love squash, I was on the search for chayote squash, and saw the opo squash, will have to try the next time I’m at the store sounds like it would be something I would like – love making zoodles with Zucchini may try with the opo squash.
Tara Noland says
Enjoy, we so love trying new fruits and vegetables. Check out this section for more to try. https://noshingwiththenolands.com/topics/how-to-cook-101/
Marianna says
Hi Tara,
I just bought one yesterday. I took a guess that it might be similar in taste and texture to a chayote squash, which I bought and cooked last week. After reading your informative post, I’m guessing I think that it probably is. I plan on putting it an Indian curry dish.
Tara Noland says
Enjoy, I am so glad we could help you with this unique vegetable. Curry sounds wonderful!
Tom says
Mamma mia, Tom here, im from Brooklyn and all i gotta say is wowzwasvadavubiyamakazomoid brother. Im in heaven right now. Im having it farm to table and holy mmoly gazookie wham thats some really goodish
Kerry says
I just got some of these, labeled ‘oso’ in the Asian grocery I go to, but identical to your pictures, so I’m glad to know what it is and how to use it. The woman who rang my purchase had no knowledge of any other names. I figured I could use it like green papaya or summer squash, even if I couldn’t identify it. Thanks!
Tara Noland says
Glad we were able to help. Maybe it was a typo as when you search oso it doesn’t come up but when you search opo it does. I am glad that we helped you. We love trying different fruits and vegetables. Check out this section https://noshingwiththenolands.com/topics/how-to-cook-101/ for more vegetables and fruit to try.
Asra says
It’s very a common vegetable/squash in the Indian culture. We Add it to our lentils. Very few stores sold it when i was growing up in Illinois, so my dad used to grow them in our backyard. He hung the vines over the awning above our patio.
Tara Noland says
What wonderful memories. We love cooking and trying unique vegetables. Luckily Opo is easily found now with more and more fruits and vegetables being accessible.
Vittoria Giardano says
I bought one of these, and it was brownish inside! I threw it away. Is it safe to eat one, the flesh of which is a bit brown inside?
Thanks
Tara Noland says
I don’t think they are supposed to be brown inside, you might have got an old one.
Charles says
Just ran across this one today at our local Sprouts. Had never seen on, so Google to the rescue! Will buy one and try a stir fry.
Tara Noland says
Enjoy, I hope you like it!
Lisa Thompson says
I’ve never heard of OPO squash or even seen it. I love most squash though, so I’ll have to be on the lookout for this!
Tracy Wynn says
You can only get them at an Asian market
Tara Noland says
We do have them at times in our regular grocery store too.
Violet says
No. I’ve seen them at Wal-Mart
chumHandle says
If you live in a place with a lot of people from India, it’ll be super common in both western and speciality grocery stores
Ryan Escat says
It looks similar to our ” Upo” , bit it’s much shinier. Looks so crunchy?? I bet it’s so delicious
Fatima D Torres says
I’m always so confused with Squash. Never know how to use it.
Brianne says
I love squash. It’s one of my favorite veggies of all time. I’ve never had opo before. I can’t wait to try it.