At Cookpad, we love to celebrate everyday cooking, especially when it involves seasonal ingredients! And today, we celebrate everything squash!
Squash might be one of the most versatile ingredients across the global cuisine. It can bring creaminess and sweetness to your dessert, add heartiness to your stews and pies, or create a delightful side dish to spice up your meal. Squash can do it all.
Is squash a fruit or vegetable? and what are the different types and varieties of squash out there? Let's find out together in this blog.
- Is squash a fruit or vegetable?
- Types of squash
- Main differences between summer and winter squash
- Different varieties of squash
- CookEveryPart: are all parts of squash edible?
Is squash a fruit or vegetable?
While we often think of squash as a vegetable because it’s more commonly used in savoury dishes, it’s actually a fruit. This is because it grows from the flowering part of the plant and contains seeds, just like other fruits.
Types of squash
There’s a big variety of squash out there, mainly classified under two broad types: summer squash and winter squash.
Main differences between summer squash and winter squash
Summer squash
Harvested during the summer months while they’re young and tender which means they tend to have a softer skin that can be edible. They are best enjoyed fresh and have a shorter shelf life.
Winter squash
Harvested in the late summer or early fall when they are fully matured, when the skin is hard and the plant has died. They have a longer shelf life and can be stored in a dry cook place for up to 6 months, depending on the variety.
Different varieties of squash
Summer squash
- Zucchini or courgettes (green and yellow): Zucchini, also known as courgette, comes in green and yellow varieties. They have a mild flavour and texture which makes them perfect for both savoury dishes, such as salads, soups and stir fries, or sweet ones such as cakes, muffins and bread thanks to their natural moisture content.
Suggested recipe: Fresh baked zucchini cake by Cookpad Author @The_cook_you_know
- Pattypan: this small and round squash is perfect for sauteing or stuffing.
Suggested recipe: Ratatouille by Cookpad Author Shandré
- Chayote: Also known as mirliton or choko, chayote is a pear-shaped green squash with a slightly sweet taste, perfect for salads and stir-fries.
Suggested recipe: Spicy Shrimp Chayote Squash Stir Fry by Cookpad Author @jenscookingdiary
- Round zucchini: Round zucchini is essentially the same as traditional zucchini, but its unique rounded shape adds an element of fun to both its appearance and its use in the kitchen.
Suggested recipe: stuffed round zucchini by @yodaga
Winter squash
- Butternut squash: The star of autumn. Its sweet and nutty flavour makes it the most popular choice for so many sweet and savoury recipes.
Suggested recipe: Butternut squash cream soup by Cookpad Author @cook_16816359
- Pumpkin: Another popular squash widely associated with the autumn season, especially in the lead-up to Halloween. They have an earthy sweet taste, which makes them a staple in soups, pies and lattes!
Suggested recipe: Pumpkin Rigatoni with Walnuts and Crispy Sage by Cookpad Author @khairify
- Acorn squash: An incredibly versatile gem with a mildly sweet and nutty taste. Roasting is the ultimate way to enjoy its natural sweetness as it caramelizes the sugars, taking its taste to a whole new level.
Suggested recipe: Baked acorn squash by Cookpad Author @carebear1128
- Delicata: sometimes known as the sweet potato squash, has a rich and sweet flavor, making it an ideal choice for roasting.
Suggested recipe: Slow and herby squash and beans by Cookpad Author @alessa
- Kabocha: Known for its sweet and starchy flavor, Kabocha squash is a perfect addition to tempura, soups, and stews.
Suggested recipe: Kabocha Bread Pudding by Cookpad Author @SuzuyaPatisserie
- Spaghetti squash: this squash is very distinctive for its unique stringy texture that resembles spaghetti noodle. This also makes it a perfect choice for a low-carb alternative to pasta that you will actually love!
Suggested recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce by Cookpad Author Ricardo
CookEveryPart: are all parts of squash edible?
From their skin to their seeds, squashes are 100% edible when cooked (just avoid the stalk!). The first treat to be enjoyed is the humble pumpkin seed. Wash and dry them, separating them from any string (don't discard this), and place on a lined baking sheet, toss with spices, salt and a splash of oil and roast for the perfect snack!
The skin is edible too, just make sure you've given it a good wash or scrub and cooked it thoroughly, so it's soft and tender.
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Cookpad Team