Squash

Squash may have been first cultivated in Mesoamerica some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Squash was one of the “Three Sisters” planted by Native Americans. The Three Sisters were the three main indigenous plants used for agriculture: maize (corn), beans, and squash. Usually planted together so the beans can climb the cornstalk, and both shade the squash, which provided ground cover to limit weeds. The beans also provide nitrogen for all three crops.

Even though most people identify squash with vegetables, from a botanical standpoint, they’re considered fruits because they contain the seeds of the plant. Squash are divided into two categories — summer and winter squash.

Summer vs Winter Squash

Summer squash are generally divided into four groups — crookneck, zucchini (green and yellow), straightneck, and scallop (pattypan). They have thin, edible skins and soft seeds, and are high in vitamins A and C, and niacin. The tender flesh has a high water content, sweet and mild flavor, and requires little cooking. For best flavor, choose small squash (4 to 6 ounces each) with blemish-free skin. They keep well refrigerated in a plastic bag for no more than five days.

Winter squash is a warm-season vegetable that can be grown in most of the country. It differs from summer squash in that it is harvested and eaten in the mature fruit stage, when the seeds within have matured fully and the skin has hardened into a tough rind. When ripened to this stage, fruits of most varieties can be stored for use throughout the winter.

 

Sources:http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/vegetables/a/squash.htm

               http://urbanext.illinois.edu/veggies/wsquash.cf

               http://localfoods.about.com/od/wintersquashpumpkin/ss/Types-Of-Winter-   Squash_9.htm

Storage

Summer squash may be left on a cool counter for a few days or in a refrigerator.

Winter squash should be stored in a dark, cool ventilated space.

Preparation & Cooking Tips

Cooking Summer Squash

The seeds can be scooped out or left in. Squash should be salted 15 minutes prior to cooking to remove some of the water content, and then blotted dry. Because of their high water content, they do best when cooked with dry-heat methods such as stirfrying, grilling or sauteing to avoid the mush factor. But cooking by steaming, simmering in a sauce, baking or deep-frying are perfectly acceptable.

Cooking Winter Squash

Cut squash in half, scoop out seeds and discard. Depending on your recipe you may then bake the squash halves then scoop out the insides or just scoop out the insides raw. Discard hard shell after removing center.

Nutrition