University Park turban squash improves observing conditions: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

The University Park turban squash is a colorful heirloom that inspired the design of University of Denver's Chamberlin Observatory back in 1889. Just as the observatory helps students look deep into the night sky, the buttercup-type squash is better for gazing than grazing...

As illustrated on the Denver Neighborhood Seed Company packet shown above, the University Park turban squash has become a very popular variety for good viewing. It resembles a butternut, but has a "turban" that is colorfully streaked in green, yellow, orange and red.

University Park turbans are a durable winter squash with a fair taste, although they are primarily used as Thanksgiving table decorations. Fruits can be stored and cooked well into the late winter. The larger University Park turban squashes can grow to sizes large enough to contain a twenty-inch refractory telescope.

To get a better look inside a University Park turban squash, the Chamberlin Observatory is holding an Open House at 6:30 PM on September 17, 2011.

Find the Denver Neighborhood Seed Company Seed Packet for your neighborhood: 16th Street Mall Swiss Chard, Alamo Placita arugula, Athmar Park fennel, Baker green peas, Bear Valley Watercress, Belcaro broccoli rabe, Berkeley broccoli, Capitol Hill Cannabis indica, Cheesman cucumber, City Park celery, Clayton sweet potato, Cole pole bean, Congress Park cauliflower, Country Club cabbage, East Colfax okra, Elyria-Swansea heirloom tomato, Five Points beets, Globeville eggplant, Hale kale, Green Valley Ranch radish, Highland Hops, Lincoln Park Asparagus, Mar Lee sweeties cherry tomatoes, Marston crookneck squash, North Capitol Hill carrot, Overland potato, Park Hill pumpkin, Ruby Hill habanero, Sloan Lake purple pop top turnip, Skyland mushroom spawn, South Platte Onion, Stapleton Brussels sprout, Sun Valley horseradish, Sunnyside sunflower, University Hills parsnip, Valverde tomatillo, Wash Park condo corn, Washington Virginia Vale watermelon, West Colfax kohlrabi, Westwood zucchini, and Windsor cantaloupe.