Seed | Thelma Sanders Squash

1 sachet

$3.99 CAD

Seed | Thelma Sanders Squash

$3.99 CAD

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The Thelma Sanders squash is a rare, heirloom variety, recognizable by its creamy skin and sweet, flavorful flesh, reminiscent of sweet potato. Prized for its fine texture and delicate taste, this heritage squash is ideal for simple and nourishing cooking. A productive and easy-to-grow variety, it deserves to be preserved and passed down.

The Story of the Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash

The Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash is an American heirloom variety, whose history is closely linked to the family transmission of seeds, long before the era of commercial catalogues.

This squash owes its name to Thelma Sanders, a gardener from the state of Missouri in the United States. For several decades, Thelma Sanders cultivated and preserved this squash in her family garden, selecting the fruits for their exceptional flavor, their sweet flesh reminiscent of sweet potato, and their good storage qualities.

The variety has reportedly been cultivated in his family since the late 19th century, passed down through generations without ever being officially registered. Like many old varieties, it survived only thanks to gardeners who saved their own seeds, outside of industrial agricultural systems.

In the 1980s, when many heirloom seeds were at risk of disappearing, the squash was shared with conservation networks, including seed companies and organizations dedicated to preserving cultivated diversity. It was at this time that it began to circulate under the name Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash, in homage to the woman who had protected it throughout her life.

Botanically, it is an acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo), recognizable by its rounded shape, creamy skin when ripe, and pale yellow, fine, and sweet flesh. Unlike many squashes bred for yield or long storage life, this one has always been chosen for its flavor, which explains its growing popularity among home gardeners and cooks.

Today, the Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato is considered a rare variety, not because it is new, but because it has long been cultivated on a small scale. Growing it today means keeping alive a seed originating from a family garden, a symbol of agriculture based on care, patience, and the passing down of knowledge.

The Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash is a heritage variety passed down through generations, preserved through the transmission of seeds and renowned for its exceptional flavor. Growing it means participating in the preservation of a living history.

Food and traditional properties
Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

The Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash is a heritage winter squash prized for its fine, mild, and naturally sweet flesh, often compared to that of the sweet potato. In North American rural traditions, it was valued as much for its flavor as for its nutritional value and good storage qualities.

1. A source of clean and sustainable energy

This squash provides complex carbohydrates naturally present in its flesh.

Provides gradual energy

Avoid the blood sugar spikes associated with refined sugars.

Suitable for nourishing and balanced meals

It was traditionally consumed during the cold seasons to support physical exertion and maintain satiety.

2. Rich in dietary fiber

Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato contains a good proportion of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Promotes digestive comfort

Supports intestinal transit

Contributes to a lasting feeling of fullness

Its fine texture generally makes it well tolerated, especially when eaten cooked.

3. High intake of beta-carotene (vitamin A)

Its pale yellow to golden flesh is naturally rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.

Supports the vision

Contributes to maintaining healthy skin

Contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system

Pumpkins were historically recognized as foods beneficial to overall vitality.

4. Natural Antioxidants

Like many winter squashes, this variety contains carotenoids, plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

They help protect cells against oxidative stress.

They support the overall balance of the body

They complement a diet rich in a variety of vegetables.

5. Essential Minerals

Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash provides several important minerals:

Potassium: contributes to fluid and muscle balance

Magnesium: supports nerve and muscle function

Non-heme iron: contributes to overall dietary iron intake

6. Soft and comforting food

In food traditions, this squash was considered to be:

easy to digest

warming when eaten cooked

suitable for simple and family meals

It was often used in the preparation of dishes intended for children, the elderly and convalescent people, not as a remedy, but as a nourishing and soothing food.

7. Good storage = prolonged nutritional value

Thanks to its firm skin and good preservation qualities, this squash could be stored for several months.

It allowed for a varied plant-based diet out of season

It retained its nutritional qualities throughout the winter.

Played a key role in food self-sufficiency

How to cook Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash

1. Oven-roasted squash (basic recipe)

The simplest and most authentic way.

Ingredients

1 Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash

Olive oil or butter

Salt

Preparation

Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.

Place the halves flesh-side up.

Brush with fat and season lightly with salt.

Bake at 190°C for 40 to 50 minutes, until tender.

2. Old-fashioned stuffed squash

A nourishing family recipe.

Ingredients

1 squash cut in half

Onion

Breadcrumbs or cooked rice

Olive oil

Salt

Preparation

Pre-cook the squash in the oven for 20 minutes.

Mix sautéed onion, breadcrumbs or rice and seasoning.

Stuff the halves.

Return to the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

3. Mild pumpkin soup

Ideal for autumn and winter.

Ingredients

Pumpkin flesh

Onion

Water or broth

Salt

Preparation

Sauté the onion.

Add the cubed squash.

Cover with liquid and cook until tender.

Blend until smooth.

4. Sweet butter and maple squash

Traditional preparation highlighting its natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Cooked squash

Butter

Maple syrup (or honey)

Preparation

Bake the squash in the oven or steam it.

Serve hot with a little butter.

Add a drizzle of maple syrup.

5. Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Pumpkin Pie

(a gentle and comforting recipe)

Ingredients

For the garnish

2 cups of cooked and pureed Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato squash flesh

2 eggs

3/4 cup of milk or cream

1/2 cup of sugar (or less, to taste)

1 tsp of cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger (optional)

1 pinch of salt

For the crust

1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Preparation

Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and bake in the oven at 190°C until the flesh is very tender.

Remove the flesh and purée it into a smooth paste.

In a bowl, mix the puree with the eggs, milk, sugar, spices and salt.

Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

Bake at 180°C for 45 to 50 minutes, until the filling is set.

Allow to cool before serving.

Tips and tricks: Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato Squash

Well-warmed soil: wait until the soil is warm before planting; this squash does not like cold soils.

Mulching is recommended: it helps retain moisture, limits weeds, and protects fruit from direct contact with the soil.

Water regularly at the start: water more at the beginning of growth; reduce slightly once the fruits have formed.

Limit nitrogen: an excess favors leaves at the expense of fruit; favour mature compost.

Good pollination: attracting pollinators (flowers, biodiversity) to ensure good fruit formation.

Gently turn the fruits: once growing, turn the squashes slightly from time to time for even ripening.

Harvest at the right time: pick when the skin is firm and the cream color is well developed.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated, and adapted to the Quebec climate.

Species: Cucurbita pepo
Type: Acorn squash
Sowing: Early April under cover or outdoor greenhouse, or directly in the ground at the end of May, after the last frosts.
Seeds: 2 seeds per pot. The pots will be ready to be planted in early June, after the risk of frost has passed.
Sowing depth: 2 to 3 cm
Germination time: 5 to 12 days
Soil: Slightly acidic soil, rich in organic matter, well-drained, loose and cool.
Location: This variety of squash requires full sun exposure and consistent warmth to develop properly.
Spacing between plants: 60 to 90 cm
Mature height: 40-60 cm
Maturity: 90 to 120 days. Very productive once well established.
Seeds per packet: Approximately 15 seeds

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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Seed | Thelma Sanders Squash

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