Produce Spotlight: Summer Squash

Some varieties of summer squash are available year round at grocery stores but are the freshest from April to September at Oklahoma farmers markets. 

Varieties of Summer Squash

Patty Pan squash is a small, round squash with scalloped edges. It comes in colors such as green, yellow and white. It is known for its tender flesh and mild flavor. 

Zucchini squash is an elongated vegetable that has a dark green color. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. 

Yellow squash is an elongated vegetable that has a bright yellow color. This squash can have a curved (crookneck squash) or straight neck (straitneck squash). Yellow squash has a tender flesh, and slightly nutty flavor. 

Eight Ball squash is a small, round squash that resembles an eight ball, hence the name. It has dark green skin with a dense, creamy flesh. The small size makes it perfect for stuffing and baking. 

How to Pick & Store 

Pick: 

1. Choose small to medium sized summer squash with glossy skin. 
2. Avoid squash with cuts, moldy spots, wrinkles, sunken areas or punctures and very large squash. 

Store:

1. Wash before eating rather than before storing to avoid faster spoilage. 
2. Store in refrigerator inside a loosely closed plastic bag. 
3. Store away from peppers and tomatoes to keep fresh longer. 
4. Best if used within 3 to 4 days. 
5. Freeze, cut squash in an airtight container, up to 3 months. 

Nutrition 

Summer squashes contain vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps with healthy vision and supports the health of skin while vitamin C is important for strengthening the immune system and acting as an antioxidant within the body. 

Preparing 

Here are some popular ways to add summer squashes to meals at home:

• Add grated pieces of raw yellow or zucchini squash to salads, sandwiches, muffins, cookies and omelets. 
• Eat sliced raw yellow squash in salads, sandwiches or with dips.
• Add zucchini to banana bread, muffins and brownies. 
• Add any summer squash in soups or stews.
• Try zucchini noodles. 

Summer Squash Recipes

Check out these recipes to see how you can use the different varieties of summer squash at home. 

Basil Feta Squash Saute makes a great side dish full of potassium and vitamin A. 

Stuffed Eight Ball Squash is a kid friendly meal. This squash is the perfect edible bowl for any stuffing. 

Lemon Basil Summer Squash combines thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash to make a refreshing salad. 

Easy Skillet Lasagna is a quick, one-pan meal that incorporates zucchini. 

Zucchini Muffins can be a great breakfast or snack option!