Gem Squash: History, Recipes & Why South Africans Love It
If you grew up in South Africa, the sight of a perfectly round, dark green gem squash sitting on your dinner plate is enough to trigger a wave of nostalgia. For those discovering it for the first time, you're in for a treat. Gem squash is one of South Africa's most beloved vegetables humble, versatile, and utterly delicious.
What Is Gem Squash?
Gem squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a small, round variety of summer squash with a smooth, dark green skin and pale yellow flesh. Roughly the size of a tennis ball, it's known for its mild, slightly sweet flavour and tender texture when cooked. Unlike many squash varieties, gem squash is eaten whole skin and all making it as practical as it is tasty.
A Brief History of Gem Squash
Squash has been cultivated in the Americas for thousands of years, but gem squash as we know it today became deeply embedded in South African food culture during the 19th and 20th centuries. It thrived in the warm South African climate and quickly became a staple in home gardens and on family dinner tables across the country.
For generations of South Africans, gem squash was a school-dinner staple halved, boiled, and filled with a knob of butter and a spoonful of sweetcorn. Simple, comforting, and utterly satisfying. Today, it holds a special place in the hearts of South African expats around the world, many of whom seek it out as a taste of home.
At The Weston Biltong Company, we're proud to bring authentic South African produce to the UK, including our fresh Gem Squash and Gem Squash 1kg packs — perfect for recreating those childhood memories or discovering this iconic vegetable for the very first time.
Nutritional Benefits
Gem squash isn't just delicious it's genuinely good for you. It's low in calories, high in fibre, and a great source of vitamins A and C. It's naturally gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and works beautifully as part of a balanced diet. The edible skin adds extra fibre, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.
How to Cook Gem Squash
Gem squash is wonderfully easy to prepare. The most traditional method is to halve it, remove the seeds, and boil or steam until tender (around 20–25 minutes). From there, the possibilities are endless.
Recipe 1: Classic Buttered Gem Squash
The South African classic simple, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Halve the gem squash and scoop out the seeds
- Boil in salted water for 20–25 minutes until the flesh is tender
- Add a generous knob of butter into each half
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
- Optional: fill with creamed sweetcorn for the full nostalgic experience
Recipe 2: Stuffed Gem Squash with Mince
A hearty, crowd-pleasing main that makes the most of gem squash's natural bowl shape.
- Halve and par-boil the gem squash for 15 minutes
- Brown 400g beef mince with onion, garlic, and your favourite spices (cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika work beautifully)
- Fill each squash half with the mince mixture
- Top with grated cheese and bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes until golden
- Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread
Recipe 3: Roasted Gem Squash with Honey & Thyme
A modern twist that lets the natural sweetness of the squash shine.
- Halve the squash, brush with olive oil, and season well
- Roast cut-side down at 200°C for 25–30 minutes
- Flip, drizzle with honey, and scatter fresh thyme leaves
- Return to the oven for a further 10 minutes until caramelised and golden
Where to Buy Gem Squash in the UK
Finding gem squash in the UK can be tricky — but not if you know where to look. We stock fresh Gem Squash and Gem Squash by the kilogram, delivered straight to your door anywhere in the UK. Whether you're a South African expat craving a taste of home or a curious foodie looking to try something new, we've got you covered.
Order your gem squash today and bring a little South African sunshine to your kitchen.
