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Seasonal Produce: Summer Squash
A member of the gourd family, squash is native to North and South America. This versatile vegetable is available in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes and is divided into two main categories: summer squash and winter squash. Harvested when immature, summer squash are characterized by thin, edible skins, soft seeds and a mild flavor. Their tender flesh has a high water content and cooks quickly.
Purchasing Summer Squash
- Select small to medium-size summer squash that are firm and feel heavy for their size.
- Their skins should look shiny and smooth.
- Refrigerate unwashed summer squash in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.
ALL SORTS OF SUMMER SQUASH
- Zucchini: Straight, with a slender shape and dark-green skin, zucchini resemble cucumbers. Harvested before they are fully ripe, they have cream-colored, watery flesh that tastes bland.
- Yellow Squash: Light to deep yellow in color, yellow squash comes in two varieties: straight and slender "straightneck" and with a curved neck and slightly bulbous base called "crookneck." Yellow squash is similar in texture and flavor to zucchini and the two can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
- Pattypan Squash: Also called scallop squash, these round, slightly flat squash have a scalloped edge and are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. They have pale green, yellow or white skins that are less tender than that of zucchini or yellow squash. Pattypans have less watery flesh than zucchini and a slightly sweet taste that is similar to artichokes.
Preparing Summer Squash
- Wash summer squash just before using. Trim off and discard both ends.
- Cut into chunks or slices, shred, or hollow out the centers for stuffing.
- Summer squash can be steamed, grilled, stir-fried, stuffed and baked into quick breads.
Summer Squash Nutrition
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Serving Summer Squash
- Serve raw sliced summer squash with your favorite dip or KRAFT Dressing.
- Toss sliced or diced summer squash into stir-fries, quiches, omelets, salads and soups.
- Hollow-out summer squash, stuff with seasoned cooked rice and bake under tender for a savory side dish.
- Top pizzas with thinly sliced squash before baking.
- Simmer chopped squash in marinara sauce for a tasty addition to pasta dishes.
- Shred summer squash and use in muffins and quick breads for delicious, moist baked treats.
