Author: Lorraine Wade

Kabocha squashKabocha squashKabocha (/kəˈboʊtʃə/; from Japanese カボチャ, 南瓜) is a type of winter squash, a Japanese variety of the species Cucurbita maxima. It is also called kabocha squash or Japanese pumpkin in North America. In Japan, “kabocha” may refer to either this squash, to the Western pumpkin, or indeed to other squashes.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › […]

The zephyr squash has a two-tone skin that’s pale green on the bottom and yellow on top. It’s super tender and can be eaten raw or lightly sautéed. This oddly shaped squash is small and round with a flat top and scalloped edge. They can be grilled whole or roasted for a lovely summer side. […]

Squash. Also known as summer squash, yellow varieties of squash provide numerous health benefits. The vegetable is high in vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium. That’s a serious nutritional power-packed veggie. What does squash do to the body? The antioxidants in squash can play an important role in reducing […]

The buttercup squash closely resembles the kabocha squashkabocha squashKabocha (/kəˈboʊtʃə/; from Japanese カボチャ, 南瓜) is a type of winter squash, a Japanese variety of the species Cucurbita maxima. It is also called kabocha squash or Japanese pumpkin in North America. In Japan, “kabocha” may refer to either this squash, to the Western pumpkin, or indeed […]

Chayote (chai·ow·tei) squash, also known as mirliton squash or Mexican pear squash, is a small summer squash native to Mexico but now found worldwide in warmer climates. Is Mexican squash a zucchini? Description/Taste Mild in flavor and varying in size from baby to medium to large, Mexican squash sports a pale green thin tender edible […]

Typically, small to medium (young to middle-aged) summer squash of all varieties and colors offer prime texture and flavor — thin, crisp skin and tender, mildly sweet and nutty flesh. Is summer squash and zucchini the same thing? Here’s the deal, not all summer squashes are zucchinis, but all zucchinis are summer squashes. Zucchini is […]

A squash exists in the genus Cucurbita, which also includes pumpkins and gourds. Melons are in the genus Cucumis, making them completely different plants. A genus is a taxonomic category. You have a family, then a genus, then a species. Is squash considered a melon? The Melon Family, Cucurbitaceae, is a plant family commonly known […]

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then lay the halves flat on the cutting board and cut in half lengthwise again to create quarters. Cut the quarters in half crosswise, rest on a flat side and angle the knife to cut out the seeds. Cut the seeded pieces in half lengthwise, then rotate and cut […]

And that’s a good thing, since cooked squash is incredibly more nutritious (this includes all kinds of squash, like zucchini and acorn), says Bazilian. Pumpkins, like carrots, are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which are much easier to absorb once they have been heated. Why is squash not good for you? Squash can contain a […]

Basically, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the main distinction between squashes and gourds is that squashes are grown and harvested to eat, while gourds are usually just for decorative or ornamental purposes. Does a gourd taste like squash? Gourds are not bred for their taste. They taste like any other squash, only less flavorful […]

Squash has its origins in the older game of rackets which was played in London’s prisons in the 19th century. Later, around 1830, boys at Harrow School noticed that a punctured ball, which “squashed” on impact with the wall, offered more variety to the game. Why is the game called squash? Squash is an indoor […]

Vegetables like courgette and squash that have high levels of cucurbitacins won’t necessarily look poisonous – making them more dangerous as you only know they could be toxic after eating them and then tasting bitterness. Symptoms of toxic squash poisoning can include: Nausea. Diarrhea. Can you get sick from squash? Squash can contain a toxic […]

The Long Answer It’s loosely considered a melon, but it is not a part of the melon genus. Watermelons actually have quite a lot in common with squash, but they’re also not squash. When you look at the “family tree” of a watermelon it shares the Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, and Family of squash. Is […]

The key to keeping squash and zucchini from turning into a mushy mess is to not over cook them. Pay close attention to cooking time and temperature and they’ll turn out perfect every time. Wash the zucchini and squash under running water. Cut the stem ends off of each fruit. How do you cook squash […]

Brush any soil or dirt from the summer squash with a dry cloth if you aren’t preparing the squash immediately. Brush gently so you don’t break the tender skin. Rinse the entire squash in cool, running water right before you use it. Slice the stem and blossom end off the squash and discard them. Do […]