Squash and pumpkins come in a stunning range of shapes sizes, colors and flavors. They belong to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae which also includes cucumbers melons and gourds. While we often think of pumpkins and squash as two distinct types of produce, pumpkins are actually a variety of winter squash. There are dozens of delicious edible varieties to discover.
Summer Squash vs Winter Squash
Summer squash have thin, tender skin and flesh. They are harvested when young and eaten soon after picking. Popular summer squash varieties include zucchini, yellow squash and pattypan squash.
Winter squash have tough thick skins and firmer flesh. They are picked after they are fully grown on the vine. Winter squash can be stored and used well into winter because its skin is tough. Some types of winter squash are acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and pumpkins.
Nutrition
Squash in the summer and winter both have healthy nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Winter squash is particularly high in vitamins A and C. Many winter squash are a deep orange color because they have a lot of beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A.
Exploring Winter Squash & Pumpkin Varieties
There are a lot of tasty winter squash and pumpkin varieties to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:
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Acorn squash – This iconic winter squash has distinct ridges and comes in green, white, orange and multi-colored varieties. The orange flesh is mildly sweet and nutty.
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Butternut squash – The sweet, smooth flesh of butternut squash is perfect for soups, purees and baked dishes. Its tan exterior and bell shape make it instantly recognizable.
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Spaghetti squash – When cooked, the stringy flesh of this oblong yellow squash separates into spaghetti-like strands. It’s a creative, low-carb alternative to pasta.
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Kabocha squash – Also called Japanese pumpkin, kabocha has a squat green shape with sweet, dense orange flesh. It’s excellent roasted or in hearty fall stews.
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Delicata squash: The skin of this small, oblong winter squash is cream-colored with green stripes. It can be cooked and eaten with the skin on because the skin is so soft.
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Hubbard squash – A large winter squash with blue-gray skin and deeply sweet orange flesh. It’s perfect for baked dishes and soups.
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Pumpkins – Pumpkins come in many shapes, sizes and colors. The sweet flesh of pie pumpkins like sugar pie pumpkins is ideal for baking, while large jack-o-lantern pumpkins work well carved and roasted.
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Carnival squash – This small, round squash has a colorfully mottled rind in shades of orange, yellow and green. The sweet, nutty orange flesh is great in baked goods.
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Sweet dumpling squash – A cute, miniature squash perfect for stuffing and roasting. It has sweet and mild flesh.
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Red kuri squash – Also called an onion squash, red kuri has a bright orange-red teardrop shape. Its smooth, creamy flesh tastes lightly sweet and nutty.
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Turban squash – Named for its shape, this squash has a distinctive topknot. Underneath its mottled rind lies dense, sweet orange flesh.
Popular Summer Squash Varieties
Some top summer squash varieties include:
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Zucchini – The most ubiquitous summer squash, zucchini comes in dark or light green shades with mild flavor.
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Yellow squash – Shaped like zucchini but with bright yellow skin. It has delicate flavor and tender flesh.
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Pattypan squash – Identifiable by its small disc shape with scalloped edges. It has dense, mildly sweet flesh.
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Eight ball squash – A cute round variety of zucchini perfect for stuffing.
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Chayote squash – This pale green squash has a single flat seed inside instead of a hollow seed cavity. It is used in Southwestern and Latin American cooking.
How to Cook Squash & Pumpkins
Summer and winter squash can be used in countless dishes:
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Roast squash halves or wedges drizzled with oil to intensify flavor
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Puree cooked squash for soups, smoothies, baked goods and as a sauce base
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Stuff squash halves with grains, cheese, veggies or meat
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Grill thick slices or skewers of squash
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Bake squash into breads, cakes, muffins and pies
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Saute summer squash slices, cubes or noodles
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Spiralize squash into gluten free “noodles”
Squash and pumpkins are extremely versatile fruits that come in diverse shapes, sizes and colors. From petite pattypans to giant pumpkins, exploring the many varieties of squash can take your cooking in exciting new directions. Their sweet flavor and nutritional density make them a hearty, satisfying addition to any meal.
How to store squash
To store squash, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Winter squash can last for months, while summer squash are best used within a week or two. Cut pieces should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days.
What’s the best way to cook squash?
Winter and summer squash can both be roasted, but winter squash will take longer to cook. To roast, cut the squash into wedges or chunks that have been peeled. Toss the squash in oil and any other spices you like, then roast at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 20 minutes for summer squash and 30 to 40 minutes for winter squash, until soft and browned around the edges. Butternut squash can also be halved, seeded, stuffed, and roasted.
Season thick slices or halves of summer squash like courgettes with a little oil. Grill or griddle for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the squash has softened and char marks appear.
You can eat courgettes raw, but they taste best when they are thinly sliced or peeled and then sprinkled with salt. This makes them softer before they are dressed and used in salads.
Top 10 Best Tasting Winter Squash with Black Gold®
FAQ
What are the different types of squash?
Squash can be broadly categorized into two main types: summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, has a thin, edible skin and a relatively short shelf life.
Is Crown Prince a squash or pumpkin?
A silvery-grey skinned squash with rich orange flesh with a sweet, nutty flavour. Crown Prince F1 grows in a trailing style and has pumpkin-shaped fruits that can weigh up to 9 pounds (3 kg). These fruits are great for storing for the winter.
How to tell the difference between pumpkin and squash plants?
Pumpkins and squashes are both Cucurbita species, but they can be differentiated by their leaves, stems, and overall size and shape. Pumpkin leaves typically have five distinct lobes and may have watermarks, while squash leaves are generally heart-shaped with smoother edges.
What is the best tasting squash to eat?
Delicata Squash: This is actually tied with acorn squash and both are similar in texture and flavor which is why they are ranked at the top. Oct 15, 2020.