Different Types Of Squash

Did you know that squash is a fruit and that there are winter and summer varieties of squash? If you are wondering as to why some squashes belong to the summer variety and some to the winter varieties, read on to find out.

The term summer and winter squash has nothing to do with the availability. It is quite amusing to know that the summer varieties are available all throughout the winter and the winter varieties are in the markets during late summer and fall, and are even available until winter.

Summer squashes have a thinner texture of skin since they are harvested before the skin thickens. Since summer squashes are thin, they do not last as long as the winter varieties. Winter squashes are harvested when they are completely mature. Hence, the skins are thicker. Also, there are many varieties of winter squashes compared to the summer squashes. Winter squashes cannot be eaten raw like summer squashes, but they store for a much longer time and come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

The different varieties of squash are indeed mind-boggling and here are a few types:

Butternut Squash
Acorn Squash
Pumpkin
Spaghetti Squash
Banana Squash
Autumn Cup
Carnival
Amber Cup
Buttercip Squash
Hubbard
Delicata
Kabocha
Gold Nugget
Turban
Zucchini
Yellow Crookneck
Pattypan Squash
Calabaza
Sweet Dumpling

The above are just some varieties of summer and winter squashes. There are about a hundred different types of squashes which are available, and most of them can be easily cultivated. Although many believe that the squash plants originated in Central America, they have found their roots in other places like Europe, Australia, North America and India.

Vegetable Gardening :

• Baby Corn	• Beans	• Beets	• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts	• Cabbage	• Carrot	• Cassava
• Cauliflower	• Celery	• Corn	• Cucumber
• Eggplant	• Garden Peas	• Garlic	• Gourds
• Holy Basil	• Kaffir Lime	• Lettuce	• Morning Glory
• Mushroom	• Okra	• Onion	• Parsley
• Peppermint	• Potato	• Pumpkin	• Radish
• Rhubarb	• Shallot	• Spinach	• Squash
• String Bean	• Sweet Pepper	• Sweet Potatoes	• Tomato
• Zucchini

More Articles :

How Do I Freeze Yellow Squash ?

From the many methods of preserving food stuff and other edibles, freezing has always been the preferred method of preserving. Yellow squash is a summer vegetable and has a very low shelf life, since it is harvested before it is completely matured. More..