Students Revive The Extinct 'Big Old Squash' From 800 Year-Old Seeds

November 19, 2015

An archaeological dig on the Menemonee Reservation in Wisconsin yielded a clay vessel estimated to be about 800 years old.

800 year old squash

Inside the vessel, the archaeologists found preserved seeds of an ancient squash.

800 year old squash

A group of students at Canadian Mennonite University planted some of the seeds to see if they were viable after being buried for centuries.

800 year old squash

An ancient squash was the result.

800 year old squash

They named it "Gete Okosomin", roughly translated "Really Cool Old Squash" or "Big Old Squash", depending on the translation..

800 year old squash

The successful cultivation of Gete-okosomin proves that heritage seeds are a viable food source that can survive centuries.

800 year old squash
Image credit: seedkeeping.tumbler.com

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