You must be wondering, how many varieties of squash are there. The answer to this question is that there are almost 100 to 150 varieties of squash. Squash is a vegetable native to Central America and Mexico. In North America, squash is categorized in two varieties viz., summer squash and winter squash. Although, the varieties of squash are classified in two categories of winter and summer, most of the varieties of squash are grown all the year round. The varieties of squash are loosely divided according to the time for which they last. Winter squash remain for much longer time as compared to the summer squash. Summer squash are cooked as soon as they are harvested. They are harvested even when they are immature. Let us discuss all varieties of squash in detail in this article.
Different Varieties of Squash
There are mainly two main varieties of squash and there are again sub-types in these varieties of squash. Let us see the further classification of squash.
Summer Squash
Summer squash have a soft cover seeds. The summer squash is harvested before it is fully ripe. Due to the soft cover and seeds, the summer squash can be eaten as a whole, excluding the stem. Summer squashes are eaten immediately after the harvesting and require very less cooking. Some of the common varieties of squash included under summer squash are straightneck, crookneck and zucchini.
Zucchini
Zucchini is also known as Italian squash and is available in green or yellow color. Zucchini is similar in shape and size to a cucumber. Zucchini is usually used in cooking, but can be eaten raw. Zucchini can be cooked very easily in very less time. Zucchini is used for cooking when it is approximately 20 cm in length. If there are flowers along with Zucchini, it is more preferable, as this is the sign that it is not mature yet. Zucchini is served in cooked form and cooking techniques are boiling, grilling, baking and frying. Zucchini is available in spring and summer.
Yellow Squash
There are a lot of varieties that come under yellow squash like straightneck and crookneck. The crookneck has a curved shape at the bottleneck of the gourd. While in the case of straightneck, the neck is straight. Yellow squash is slightly sweet and has a flat top. The skin and flesh of yellow squash are edible and squash with a glossy skin and quite heavy is chosen. Yellow squash is available all the year round.
Scallop
Scallop is a summer squash which tastes delicious when it is raw. The various other methods to cook this summer squash are sauteing, roasted, fried and baked. The scallop is funny shaped in bright yellow color. Scallop squash brightens up the plate with kebabs and stuffed vegetables. Scallop is found all the year round.
Here are a few well known summer squash varieties.
Straightneck
Crookneck
Scallop
Zucchini
Globe squash
Courgette
Pattypan squash
Scallopini
Snake gourd
Tinda
Winter Squash
The skin of the winter squashes is very hard and are harvested when they are fully mature. The winter squash is stored in a cool place. They require a greater cooking time as compared to the summer squash. The common varieties of squash included in the winter squash category are buttercup, acorn and spaghetti.
Buttercup Squash
Buttercups are short and plump, are green in color and have gray lines on them. Inside, they are orange in color and much softer. The cover of the buttercup is harder as compared to the inner flesh. The buttercup squash is sweet and nutty and is more like a sweet potato. The ways in which the buttercup squash is cooked are baking and boiling. Buttercup squash is available all the year round. However, the peak season of buttercup squash is from fall to winter.
Acorn
Acorn squash is available in three colors viz., golden, green and white. The acorn squash is very small in size. Usually, the acorn squash is dark green in color and is of the shape of an acorn. Acorn squash is usually baked, sauteed or boiled. The white and yellow colored acorn squash is available from August to December. Otherwise, it is available all the year round.
Banana Squash
Banana is 2-3 feet in length and is cream colored or peach colored. It weighs an average about 12 pounds. Many home vegetable gardens have banana squash as a common vegetable. Heirloom squash with pink skin and orange flesh is called bush pink banana squash. The peak season of banana squash is from summer to early fall.
Here are a few well known winter squash varieties.
Acorn
Ambercup
Autumn
Australian blue squash
Banana squash
Buttercup squash
Butternut squash
Calabaza
Green pumpkin
Japanese squash
Oriental pumpkin
Spaghetti squash (read more on spaghetti squash recipes)
Sweet dumpling
Turban squash
This was all about the varieties of squash. Although, squash is treated as a vegetable, it is actually a fruit of the plant on which it grows. It belongs to the gourd family and is a versatile vegetable used in many culinary activities. Squash is an ingredient of pasta, soups, stews and a variety of other dishes.
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