What are the health benefits of yellow squash?
Yellow Squash Nutrition Facts (Plus Benefits of This Summer Vegetable)
- Yellow Squash Nutrition Facts. Yellow squash is low in calories, with just about 20 calories per one-cup serving of raw squash. ...
- Benefits. What is yellow squash good for? ...
- Risks and Side Effects. Is yellow squash always safe to eat? ...
What are the different types of yellow squash?
Winter Yellow Squashes
- Gold Acorn Squash. A newer variety of acorn squash, the oval-shaped Gold Acorn squash has smooth yellow-gold skin and a small prickly stem.
- Butternut Squash. ...
- Buttercup Squash. ...
- Yellow Hubbard Squash. ...
- Delicata Squash. ...
- Spaghetti Squash. ...
- Honeynut Squash. ...
- Sweet Dumpling Squash. ...
- Banana Squash. ...
Is yellow squash fruit or vegetable?
This cultivar of Cucurbita pepo, a type of summer squash, is also called yellow squash. These warm-season vegetables grow fast. They have huge leaves that bear small, sticky spines and have a bushy growth habit. Their yellow fruits, which form underneath the leaves, can have smooth or bumpy skins. Featured Video.
How big is a yellow squash?
Yellow squash (crookneck and straightneck) can grow up to 10 inches long, but don’t let them. They taste best when harvested young. Pick squash between 4 to 6 inches in length to ensure tenderness. Why is my yellow squash hard? Both require frequent harvesting once the plants begin producing.
What is yellow squash?
Yellow squash is often confused with zucchini; however, the distinct difference lies in the shape and color. Zucchini is often straight (same width) from top to bottom, while yellow squash (or any squash variety) is thinner in width towards the top and has a wider bottom.
Where does yellow squash originate from?
Yellow squash is said to have originated from the Americas, most notably in Central America and Mexico, where remains were discovered to date back to 7000 BC. The term ‘squash’ is believed to have stemmed from the Algonquin phrase “askoot asquash” which means “eaten green.”
How is yellow squash grown?
Yellow squash is a squash variety typically grown in the summertime. After planting your seeds, yellow squash will usually be ready for harvest after 50-70 days.
When is yellow squash in season?
Squash, in general, has two peak seasons in the summer and the winter. Squash harvested in these separate seasons will produce a difference in taste and texture. While yellow squash is available throughout the year at your local grocery stores, they are at their peak season during the summer.
What should I look for when buying yellow squash?
When shopping for fresh yellow squash, take a good look at the outer rind. The rind should be shiny, firm but not hard, and have no visible cuts or discoloration. A ripe yellow squash should also be heavy. When selecting your yellow squash at the store, choose squash that is average in size.
How to store yellow squash
Yellow squash will store well in a plastic bag that is kept in the fridge. Your squash should remain unwashed until right before use. When stored properly in the refrigerator, yellow squash will stay fresh for about seven days.
How to tell if yellow squash is bad
Yellow squash will start to rot quickly if its outer rind is cut or punctured. Keep an eye out for squash that becomes discolored, starts to mold, or if the outer skin starts to become mushy. There are all signs that your yellow squash has started to spoil and should be disposed of and replaced immediately.
How to Choose Summer Squash
Ripe squash will be firm, fairly heavy for its size, and vibrantly colored. Avoid squash with wrinkled skin or soft spots, as these are signs of age and rot. And when it comes to squash, size does matter. Smaller squash are usually more tender and have fewer seeds.
How to Store Summer Squash
If you've stocked up on squash for the summer, store them properly to make the most of them. Squash should be wrapped in a plastic bag and stored in the crisper drawer of your fridge. They'll keep there for one to two weeks.
Types of Summer Squash
This lesser known squash originated in Mexico, but it is now grown all over the world. Chayote is low in calories and has a taste similar to that of a cucumber, making it versatile for grilling, sautéing, baking, or using in soups. You can even use it to add a nice crunch to salads.
1. Yellow squash
Yellow squash includes many different types, such as crookneck and straightneck squash, as well as some zucchini cross breeds like zephyr squash.
2. Zucchini
Zucchini is a green summer squash that has become a popular low-carb, low-calorie alternative to noodles.
3. Pattypan squash
Pattypan squash, or simply patty pan, are small, ranging from 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) in length. They’re saucer-shaped with a scalloped edge and thus also called scallop squash.
4. Acorn squash
Acorn squash is a small, acorn-shaped variety with a thick, green rind and orange flesh.
5. Butternut squash
Butternut squash is a large winter variety with a pale rind and orange flesh.
6. Spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash is a large, orange-fleshed winter variety. After cooking, it can be pulled into strands that resemble spaghetti. Like zucchini, it’s a popular low-calorie alternative to pasta.
7. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a versatile winter squash best known for its use in desserts. Plus, its seeds are edible when cooked.
What Qualifies as a Squash?
There are a number of species in the Cucurbita genus, but only five of them produce edible, fleshy fruit. These are what are considered squash.
Types of Summer Squash Varieties
Cousa squash are very similar to zucchini but have a more bulbous bud end and are light green with striations. These tender squashes have a sweet flavor and very thin skin. They are popular in Syrian and Lebanese cuisine.
Types of Winter Squash Varieties
Acorn squash is named for its acorn-like shape but is more easily recognized by the thick longitudinal ridges running down its surface. These squash have deep green skin and yellow-orange flesh. They are delicious when baked but can also be used in soups or scraped out and steamed.
A Squash for Everyone!
With so many different varieties of squash out there—and new ones being bred every year—there are plenty to choose from. Next time your recipe calls for a summer squash or a winter squash, try switching it up by substituting one of the lesser-known varieties.
