Summer Squash Types VS Fall Squash Types
Step into the vibrant world of summer and fall squash with Keany Produce, your reliable supplier of the freshest quality squashes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, our guide is a treasure trove of information on diverse summer squash types and fall squash varieties, their impressive health benefits, and mouthwatering cooking ideas to ignite your culinary creativity.
Decoding Summer and Fall Squash
The squash family is divided into two main categories – summer squash and fall squash. While they may seem similar, there are remarkable differences between the two. Let’s delve into the magic of these squashes.
True to its name, summer squash is abundant during the warmer seasons. It encompasses varieties like zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash. These squashes have a tender skin, soft flesh, and mild flavor. Ideal for grilling, sautéing, or even eating raw in salads.
On the other hand, fall squash is harvested later in the year. Varieties such as butternut squash, acorn squash, and spaghetti squash fall into this category. They have a hard outer skin and dense, sweet flesh, making them ideal for roasting, baking, or creating warm soups and stews. Fall squashes can be stored for extended periods, making them a staple in autumn and winter recipes.
Understanding the difference between summer squash types and fall squash types can inspire you to create a range of dishes, from light and refreshing summer salads to hearty autumn meals. Explore our selection of fresh, locally grown summer and fall squashes to add a touch of magic to your squash dishes!
Unearthing Summer Squash Types
Summer squash comes in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Let’s take a closer look at four popular summer squash types: zucchini, patty pan squash, crookneck squash, and Goldbar Squash.
Zucchini, the most recognized type of summer squash, is typically long and cylindrical, with a dark green skin. Its mild, subtly sweet flavor and tender texture make it a versatile ingredient for sautéing, grilling, or spiralizing into noodles. Zucchini is also a star in many recipes for summer squash.
- Local Zucchini – ½ Bushel
- Fancy Zucchini – ½ Bushel
- Medium Zucchini – ½ Bushel
Recognized by its unique shape, Patty pan squash, or scallop squash, resembles a small flying saucer. Its delicate flavor and firm texture make it a great addition to stir-fries, stews, or as a vessel for delectable fillings. Patty pan squash adds a touch of novelty to any recipe with squash.
Crookneck squash, distinguished by its curved neck and vibrant yellow skin, offers a buttery flavor. Its tender nature lends itself to a variety of dishes, from soups and casseroles to a simple sauté with garlic and herbs. Crookneck squash is an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with recipes for summer squash.
- Local Yellow Squash – ½ Bushel
- Fancy Yellow Squash – ½ Bushel
- Medium Yellow Squash – ½ Bushel
Local Goldbar Squash is primarily available in the summertime from local farmers. Distinguished by a straight neck and smooth, cylindrical shape, Goldar Squash resembles zucchini more than the crookneck squash.
- Local Goldbar Squash – ½ Bushel
At Keany Produce, we take pride in offering a wide range of high-quality summer squash types, all locally sourced and harvested with utmost care for optimal freshness and flavor.
Discovering Varieties of Fall Squash
Fall squash is a versatile and delectable member of the autumn produce family. Four popular varieties include: Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Delicata Squash, and Spaghetti Squash, all perfect for creating inviting squash dishes.
Acorn Squash, named for its acorn-like shape, is small and round with a ridged skin. Its sweet and nutty flesh is perfect for roasting or baking, or stuffing with savory fillings for a hearty meal. When cooking with butternut squash, this variety is a top choice.
Butternut Squash, celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet flavor, has a bell shape with pale orange skin and vibrant orange flesh. It’s often used in soups, stews, and casseroles or roasted or pureed for a rich, creamy side dish.
Delicata Squash, a smaller, cylindrical squash with thin, edible skin, has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. It’s great for roasting or sautéing, and its size makes it perfect for individual servings or stuffing. This little gem adds a special touch to cooking with butternut squash and other varieties.
Spaghetti Squash features a vibrant yellow or orange rind and can range in size from small to large. When cooked, its flash can be easily scraped into long strands, making it versatile for use in salads, stir-fries, casseroles, or simply as a pasta substitute topped with sauce or cheese. This nutrient-rich squash is valued not only for its culinary flexibility but also for its contribution to a healthy diet.
Keany Produce offers a wide selection of fall squashes, including the popular Acorn, Butternut, and Delicata Squashes, as well as below:
- Buttercup (Kabocha) Squash – 35 LB
- Buttercup Squash has a sweet, nutty flavor and dense, orange flesh. Its dark green, bumpy rind encases nutrients ideal for roasting, steaming, or adding to various dishes.
- Calabaza Squash – 35 LB
- Calabaza Squash is a tropical squash variety prized for its sweet flavor and creamy texture. With its smooth, ribbed exterior ranging in color from green to orange, calabaza squash is commonly used in soups, stews, curries, or roasted dishes.
- Chayote Squash – Flat
- Chayote squash, also known as vegetable pear or mirliton, is a green, wrinkled fruit with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture. Commonly used in salads, stir-fries, soups, and casseroles, chayote is versatile and cooks quickly.
- Honeynut Squash – Case
- Honeynut squash is a smaller, sweeter variety of butternut squash, resembling a miniature version with a similar shape and color. With a deep orange flesh and a rich, sweet flavor reminiscent of honey, it’s ideal for roasting, baking, or pureeing into soups and sauces.
- Kuri Squash – 25 LB
- Kuri squash, also known as Hokkaido pumpkin, is a type of fall squash with a deep orange-red skin and a sweet, nutty flavor. Its dense, smooth flesh makes it ideal for roasting, baking, soups, and purees.
The Health Benefits of Summer and Fall Squash
Summer and fall squash offer more than just versatility and flavor; they also pack a punch in terms of health benefits. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, these squashes are a valuable addition to any diet.
Both summer and fall squash are rich in vitamins A and C and potassium. Vitamin A contributes to healthy vision, while vitamin C boosts immunity and promotes collagen production. Potassium aids in maintaining proper heart and muscle function.
These squashes are also high in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, and regulating blood sugar levels.
As low-calorie, low-fat, high-fiber foods, summer and fall squashes can support weight loss efforts by providing a satisfying meal without excessive calories. Incorporating these squashes into a diet can help control appetite and contribute to healthy weight management.
Ignite Your Creativity with Summer and Fall Squash Recipes
The versatility of summer and fall squash allows for endless culinary possibilities. Here are some cooking and healthy squash recipe ideas to stir your creativity on what to do with squash:
Grilled Squash with Herbs: Slice the squash into thick rounds, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil, and grill until tender for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a standalone side dish.
Roasted Squash Soup: Roast your favorite squashes until caramelized and soft, then puree with vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream for a comforting, velvety smooth soup seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. This is a classic recipe with squash that warms the soul.
Squash Casserole with Cheese: Slice squashes into thin rounds and layer them with sautéed onions and a creamy cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and grated cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly for a side dish that’s sure to please.
With our top-notch summer and fall squashes, you can transform any recipe into a culinary delight. Visit Keany Produce’s product pages to explore our wide selection of locally-grown squash.
