[Ethel]

I have just been checking on some squash still ripening on my plot. Most are fine but the uchiki kuri's have been nibbled - we have rabbits and rats on the plot. I've thrown away one that was really badly gnawed but I'm not sure if the ones with just a small amount of damage will be safe to eat. Obviously these squash are never going to keep well but it seems a shame to chuck them - would others take a chance with them or would that be foolish?

[JayG]

Given that you're (presumably) going to wash, peel and then cook them, I don't think there will be any problem with possible pathogens (if you're concerned about Weil's disease, it's not only very rare in this country, but the bacteria are also quite fragile and are easily killed by either normal cooking heat or freezing.)

[Ethel]

Thanks - yes it was Weil's disease I was wondering about.