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Marrow is a summer squash that looks like a long, fat, giant zucchini. They are always very large, and can grow to be as long as a watermelon.

The rind is green, or green and yellow flecked. Inside the flesh is very white. The vegetable is remarkable for its complete absence of flavour. Marrow is often cooked with a sauce, and often stuffed as well.

For best flavour and texture, Marrow should be picked when they are between 8 and 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) long. At this age, the flesh will still be greeny-white, not as fibrous as more mature Marrow, and the skin will still be edible if the Marrow is cooked slowly or roasted.

They are very popular in Britain and Ireland.

The worst Marrow I've ever had was in Ireland -- it was peeled and seeded, and then cubed, which was a good start, but then it was just boiled and then plunked onto the plate. I could barely choke it down, it was just so dull and boring. I have had a hate on for it every since. Yes, the stuffings made for it are very tasty, but I've come to regard it as a waste of good stuffing.

For the record, it's reported that it also makes an insipid wine.

Cooking Tips
To roast, slice it in half length-wise. Scoop out the seeds. Scoop out as well the fibrous material the surrounds the seed cavity. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast cut-side up, unpeeled and uncovered at 400 F (200 C) for 15 to 20 minutes for a Marrow that weighs between 2 and 3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kg). Cooking a Marrow uncovered allows the Marrow to roast, rather than steam, and for some of the moisture to evaporate concentrating what little taste it has. The skin on young Marrows will be edible.

The rind on older Marrows will be tough and should be discarded.

Substitutes
Zucchini

History
Used to be more popular in North America. Was included in Charles Ranhofer's "The Epicurean" (1894).

Also called:

See Also:

Marrow Beans, Marrowbone

Other entries for:

Summer Squash
Chayote, Crookneck Squash, Magda Squash, Marrow, Opo Squash, Pattypan Squash, Scallopini Squash, Snake Gourd, Spaghetti Squash, Tinda Gourd, Yellow Squash, Yellow Sunburst Squash, Zapallito de Tronco Squash, Zucchetta Rampicante, Zucchini

Other entries for:

Squash
Gourds, Pumpkins, Squash Blossoms, Ugu, Winter Squash

Other entries for:

Vegetables
Agave, Artichokes, Asparagus, Brassica Family, Canned Vegetables, Cardoons, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Frozen Vegetables, Garlic, Horseradish Tree, Leafy Vegetables, Lotus, Mixed Vegetables, Mushrooms, Pak Wan, Peas, Peppers, Root Vegetables, Sago Palm, Seaweed, Spinach, Sprouts, Tomatoes, Viscous Vegetables