White Zucchini

Variety: Blanco de correr

Cucurbita moschata

About this Crop

The White Zucchini (Blanco de correr) is a traditional Spanish variety of zucchini, belonging to the species Cucurbita moschata, unlike most commercial zucchinis which belong to Cucurbita pepo. This taxonomic particularity gives it greater resistance to certain pests and typical fungal diseases of the crop, as well as remarkable rusticity and adaptability.

It is a trailing plant (runner), with long stems that spread over the ground and can reach several meters in length, unlike modern bush-type varieties. The leaves are large, wide, and slightly lobed, of an intense green color. The fruits have smooth skin and a very light green, almost whitish or cream color, with an elongated and slightly oval shape. Its flesh is tender, with a firm texture and a fine, mild flavor with personality, highly appreciated in traditional gastronomy.

It is an open-pollinated variety, which allows the grower to save their own seeds season after season, contributing to the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. Its cultivation is considered low difficulty, ideal for beginner gardeners.

History & Origin

The White Zucchini is a traditional Catalan variety whose origin dates back to the family gardens of the Bages region, in the province of Barcelona. The seed was preserved and passed down by Rosa Villaró, a farmer from Aguilar de Segarra, who kept this variety alive for generations in her family garden.

The cooperative Les Refardes, founded in 2004 in Mura (Barcelona) with the aim of recovering and preserving traditional horticultural varieties in danger of disappearing, documented the variety through Rosa Villaró and incorporated it into their catalog of organic seeds. Thanks to this work of horticultural archaeology, the variety is once again available to farmers and gardeners, preventing its definitive loss.

Unlike most commercial zucchinis, which belong to the species Cucurbita pepo and were selected for intensive cultivation, the Blanco de correr belongs to Cucurbita moschata, a species that includes numerous traditional Mediterranean varieties and is characterized by its greater resistance to adverse conditions and diseases. Its name "de correr" (runner) refers to its trailing growth habit, spreading over the ground like traditional pumpkins.

Ideal Companions

CornBeanRadishMarigoldBasilOregano

Avoid

PotatoCucumberMelonWatermelonPumpkin

Superfood

Zucchini is a vegetable with a very low caloric intake, composed of more than 95% water, making it an ideal food for hydration and low-calorie diets. It is a good source of fiber, which promotes intestinal transit. It provides vitamin C, with antioxidant action beneficial for the immune system, and B-group vitamins (especially B6 and B9/folates), important for energy metabolism. It also contains potassium, an essential mineral for muscle and nerve function, and magnesium, which contributes to electrolyte balance.

Preservation

The White Zucchini is consumed preferably tender, in which case it keeps in the refrigerator for approximately one week. It is not recommended to wash it before storing to preserve its skin and prevent fungi. If left to fully ripen on the plant, the skin hardens and the fruit can be stored longer in a cool, dry place, although its culinary use shifts towards preparations similar to pumpkin. The flesh can also be frozen in pieces for later use in creams and stews.

Pest Monitoring

Pay special attention to: Aphid, whitefly, powdery mildew, anthracnose.

FAQ

Is it difficult to grow: No, it is a variety considered easy to grow and rustic, ideal for beginners. Its resistance to fungal diseases makes it more tolerant than other hybrid zucchinis.
How is it different from a normal green zucchini: By its very light green, almost white color, and its trailing growth habit. Moreover, being Cucurbita moschata, it has a finer flavor and greater disease resistance.
Can I save seeds for the following year: Yes, being an open-pollinated variety and not a hybrid, you can save the seeds from your best specimens and plant them the next season, maintaining the same characteristics.
How often should I water it: It needs regular and moderate watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. Organic mulching helps maintain moisture and reduces the watering frequency.

Notas

The Blanco de correr is an excellent example of recovered agricultural biodiversity. Unlike F1 hybrid varieties, open-pollinated varieties like this allow gardeners to be self-sufficient in seeds and contribute to the preservation of agricultural genetic heritage. Its cultivation integrates perfectly with the three sisters technique (corn, beans, and squash), a Mesoamerican companion planting system that maximizes productivity and garden ecosystem health. It is also known as White Zucchini of Aguilar de Segarra, in honor of its place of origin.

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