Patty pan squash originates from Central America, specifically Mexico, where it was domesticated as part of the Cucurbita pepo species around 10,000 years ago. Like other squashes, it was cultivated by Native Americans and later brought to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. The French name for patty pan, pâtisson, is derived from a type of cake baked in a mold with scallop-like edges.
Key Points
Origin: Mexico and Central America.
Species: Cucurbita pepo, one of the oldest domesticated species.
Ancient Cultivation: Domesticated over 8,000 years ago.
Native American Agriculture: A part of the "Three Sisters" agriculture, alongside corn and beans.
European Introduction: Brought to Europe in the 1500s by explorers from the New World.
Name: The name "patty pan" refers to a pan used for baking small patties, reflecting the squash's shape.