They are mild in flavor and have a lovely hint of buttery flavor when cooked. Pattypan, or scallop squash is notable for their distinct flat, saucer-shaped form and bright yellow, white or green color. They are quite a bit shorter and squatter than zucchini, and while they look similar to their greener cousin, cousa actually tastes more like a yellow squash.Ĭousa has a lighter texture than zucchini and this Middle Eastern squash variety is great sauteed, stuffed or steamed. CousaĬousa squash is pale yellow or light green, short oval squash that are touted by many as the best-tasting squash available.

Summer squash can be eaten raw or cooked. All summer squash have thin skin, as they are picked before the outer layer has a chance to toughen up. Though some varieties may have slightly subtle differences in flavor, they all tend to share a nutty, mild-in-taste quality. Summer squash is tender and ready to be harvested at the height of the warm summer season. It actually matures during the cooler fall months each year and is only named “winter” squash because its thick, hard shell means it can last much longer, well into winter months, than its soft-skinned summer sibling. Winter squash isn’t as forthcoming with its name, however. As its name would imply, summer squash thrives and is ready for picking in the summer months. The difference between summer and winter squash is simply when to harvest. And while each one is planted late spring through early summer, when to harvest squash falls into two main categories, summer or winter. There are dozens of different varieties of squash. Squash comes from the gourd family, and it is unique in that the fruit, seeds, flowers and even some varieties’ vines may be cooked and enjoyed. All types of squash are generally bountiful plants that grow and yield plenty of fruit, if you know what to plant and when to plant it.

While most of us are familiar with the basic different kinds of squash like pumpkins and zucchini, many people don’t realize how many varieties of squash there actually are.

Flat white squash