Varieties and Types of Squash
Zucchini, Spaghetti, Yellow Crookneck, and Butternut Squash
Even though squash is treated as a vegetable, they are indeed a fruit. Squash is a member of the gourd family, grown on vines and most have hard skins. Squash is very versatile and can be eaten raw, cooked alone as a side dish or used as an ingredient in all types of dishes. Squash can be used in salads, pasta dishes, casseroles, pies, soups and stews, just to name a few applications.
Summer and Winter Squash
There are basically two categories of squash, summer and winter. Even though the name suggests that one category is grown in summer and the other in winter, it’s not always the case. There are however some pretty distinct differences between summer and winter squash.
- Summer squash usually have a thinner skin because they are harvested before the skins thicken. Because of the thinner skins and short harvest time, summer squash doesn’t keep as long as winter squash.
- Winter squash have a thick skin and are harvested when the fruit is mature, unlike summer squash. Winter squash, unlike summer squash, is not eaten raw. There are many more varieties of winter squash and store much longer than summer squash. Winter squash comes in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors.
Nutritional Value of Squash
The nutritional value of squash can vary somewhat depending on the variety. Generally squash is low in calories and fat. Squash is very high in vitamin A and has a generous amount of vitamin C. One cup of squash has about 4% of the daily-recommended amount of protein. Squash is also low in carbohydrates with about 7% of the daily-recommended value.
Common Types and Varieties of Squash
- Zucchini is a summer squash and is some times known as Italian Squash. The most common type is green, but is also available in yellow. Zucchini is oblong and is similar in size and shape to a cucumber. Zucchini can be eaten raw but is usually used in cooking. It has a very delicate taste and cooks quickly. Zucchini is very popular cooked as a vegetable type side dish in butter or oil.
- Yellow Crookneck is a summer squash that’s yellow, with a bumpy sweet skin and has a curved protruding end. Yellow crookneck squash has a sweet and nutty flavor and is excellent raw. It is used in all types of dishes or is served alone as a side dish similar to zucchinI.
- Butternut Squash is a winter squash that has a light yellow skin with an orange interior. It has a sweet and nutty flavor similar to pumpkin. It is not usually eaten raw and can be roasted or mashed. Butternut squash is popular in soups and casseroles.
- Spaghetti Squash is a winter squash that is oblong in shape and can be white, yellow, orange or green with white stripes. Its gets its name because when it cooks it separates into strands that is similar to spaghetti. It can be baked or broiled. It has a sweet flavoring.
There are over 100 types and varieties of squash. With the many varieties, squash is available year round. With the nutritional value of squash, the variety of tastes and the versatilities with cooking, squash is an excellent choice in a family meal.
Assorted Squash
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