General information and discussion about cultivating melons, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and gourds.
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August 14, 2010 | #1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: north central B.C.
Posts: 2,310
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What exactly is it?
Probably a strange question - but, What exactly is that squash "varnish"? You know, the film that is so difficult to clean from your knife after cutting up squash, or the even thicker fingerprint-masking film on your fingers after dealing with WAY too many zucchini. Is it a protein, sugars (don't think so, not very soluble), or something else entirely; anyone know?
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August 18, 2010 | #2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: north central B.C.
Posts: 2,310
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I guess only the Shadow knows...
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August 18, 2010 | #3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: California Central Valley
Posts: 2,543
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Good question! I get the same sort of stuff on my hands when I'm cleaning the pulp from winter squash seeds. On my skin it feels like an astringent (like tannins in unripe hachiya persimmons).
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August 20, 2010 | #4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Dallas
Posts: 344
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The cuticle is composed of wax and cutin, but it's the wax you are asking about.
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August 21, 2010 | #5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: north central B.C.
Posts: 2,310
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Thank you for the information, ireilly!
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