Know your Squash
Know your Squash - Introduction
Turban, Sweet Dumpling, Carnival, Gold Acorn, Delicata, Buttercup and Golden Nugget squashes
Squash is commonly divided into two main categories: Summer squash and winter squash.
This is not a biological classification, but rather division on the basis of when the vegetable is harvested—in other words, whether the squash is immature or mature.
Both summer and winter squash can be of any of the four squash species.
Summer squash is most commonly associated with C. pepo, but winter squash is common among all four species.
Know your Squash - Summer squash
Petit pan squash
Summer squash is the category that includes those squash harvested during the growing season, while the skin is still tender and the fruit relatively small.
They have soft seeds and thin, edible skins, and tender flesh with a high water content.
Summer squash is very perishable and may last only five days even when refrigerated in a plastic bag.
They are consumed almost immediately after harvesting and require little or no cooking.
They're usually separated into yellow, straight or crookneck varieties; scallop-shaped "petit pan" fruits; or round, softball-sized types.
Summer squash grow fast, usually maturing within 2 months of planting, and continue to produce all season long.
They are prolific, reliable producers, but they don't store well, so use them right away.
Know your Squash - Winter squash
Winter squash is the category for those squash harvested at maturity, generally the end of summer, cured to further harden the skin, and stored in a cool place for eating later.
Winter squash have thick and hard seeds and skin, and flesh that is firmer.
Winter squash, protected by its hard skin, can be stored much longer and does not require refrigeration, lasting a month or more in a cool dark place depending on the variety.
They generally require longer cooking time than summer squashes.
Winter varieties include butternut, Hubbard, buttercup, ambercup, acorn, and spaghetti squash.
The image right is of butternut squash, a great favourite in England.
Most winter squashes are vine-type plants whose fruits are harvested when fully mature.
They can be stored for months in a cool storeroom-hence the name "winter" squash.