Summer Vine. This Italian variety is as flavorful as it is long. It is known as snake gourd because of its appearance and ability to bend and twist like one. The flavor is tender, almost cucumber meets zucchini. . .cucuzzi-ish! Fruits start off fuzzy and as they mature they become shinier as the flesh thickens. Try this steamed, roasted, grilled, or even in soups. The uses are endless for this world-famous Italian squash.