Types of Squash

A group of four species of the Cucurbita genus which are native to Central America and Mexico are altogether known as squashes. Although the squash plants have their origin in the continent of Central America, they are also grown in Europe, North America, Australia and India. Summer squash types and the winter squash types differ in the time/growth stage at which they are harvested. The summer squashes are harvested while in an edible and tender form. These squashes are immature at the time of harvesting and they have a short shelf life. On the contrary, winter squashes are harvested when fully mature.

Different Types of Squash

As mentioned above, this vegetable is grouped into 2 categories: the winter and summer squashes. Let us have a look at the different varieties of squashes in detail.

Summer Squash: The different summer squash varieties include the 'Yellow crookneck squash', 'Pattypan squash', 'Zucchini', 'Yellow summer squash', etc.

• Yellow Crookneck Squash: This variety of summer squashes has a yellow and bumpy skin. The flesh is sweet and it tastes better if harvested at the length of 6 inches.
• Pattypan Squash: This variety of summer squashes is known by different names like Button Squash, White squash, Sunburst Squash, or Scallopini. The scalloped edges, small size and a shallow & round shape which resembles that of a flying saucer are the distinguishing features of Pattypan squash. The Pattypan comes in three varieties viz., white, green and yellow. It is harvested at a tender stage not bigger than 2-3 inches in diameter. It is a good source of nutrients such as niacin, magnesium and vitamins (A & C).
• Zucchini: It is similar in appearance to the ridged cucumber and is found in green, yellow or light green colors. Courgette is another name by which this squash variety is known.
• Yellow Summer Squash: This yellow colored summer variety is also known as the 'Straightneck Squash'. The watery, mild and tender skin of the yellow summer squash makes it useful for many different recipes.

Winter Squash: There are many different winter squash varieties . Unlike the summer squashes, these squashes are harvested upon reaching full maturity. The winter squashes are harvested when their skin is hardened and becomes deep red in color. There are many different squashes which are grown as winter varieties. Few of them are mentioned below.

• Acorn Squash: The Acorn squash is green in color with longitudinal ridges. Newer varieties like the Golden Acorn have a yellow color.
• Turban Squash: The Turban squash which is the most commonly cultivated variety of winter squashes, has its origin in the South America and was introduced in North America in the 16th century.
• Calabaza: The word 'Calabaza' is a Spanish term used to denote melons and gourds of different varieties. The Calabaza has gourds produced in many different shapes, however, the common factors between them are the branched tendrils and large lobed leaves.
• Kabocha: It is a Japanese variety of winter squashes with a knobbly-looking and hard skin. The skin color is green and the shape resembles that of a squatted pumpkin.
• Spaghetti Squash: It is a seed bearing variety of squashes with an oblong shape. The Spaghetti squash is known by different names like noodle squash, vegetable spaghetti, squaghetti and spaghetti marrow. This variety is found in different colors such as yellow, ivory, orange, etc. The flesh could be bright yellow, white or orange in color.

The above article provides us with the information about different squash types. The various types of squashes mentioned above include different varieties of winter and summer squashes useful for cultivation.