GardenBlooms22
Songster
- Apr 30, 2022
- 373
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Yes, possible toxic cross pollination is definitely something to keep in mind. However, it is worth noting that I've heard if you try tasting a mystery cross-pollination variety of squash, it will be very obvious if it is toxic. A tiny piece will taste very bitter if it is toxic (namely, contains unsafely high amounts of cucurbitacins).
Most squash hybrids are perfectly safe to eat, and should the very rare occurrence of wild cross pollination occur (resulting in an inedible squash), you will know immediately upon tasting (in which case, be sure to spit it out!).
So to summarize, (from what I've heard) while toxic cross pollination in squash in cucumbers is definitely something to be aware of, it rarely actually occurs in home gardens. And if it did, you would know immediately upon tasting, in which case you would spit it out and simply not eat the inedible fruit.
I hope this helps.
Most squash hybrids are perfectly safe to eat, and should the very rare occurrence of wild cross pollination occur (resulting in an inedible squash), you will know immediately upon tasting (in which case, be sure to spit it out!).
So to summarize, (from what I've heard) while toxic cross pollination in squash in cucumbers is definitely something to be aware of, it rarely actually occurs in home gardens. And if it did, you would know immediately upon tasting, in which case you would spit it out and simply not eat the inedible fruit.
I hope this helps.