Squash is classified as either winter or summer squash based on storage length. Summer squash is harvested in the summer and has thin skin, so it cannot be stored fresh for the winter.

Zucchini is the most popular summer squash grown in Wisconsin. Other types include yellow straightneck, yellow crookneck, Patty pan, and Mexican squash (calabacita).

The skin, seeds, and flesh can all be eaten raw or cooked. Did you know that the bright orange blossoms of the squash plant are edible as well? Serve squash blossoms fried, baked, or added to pasta or quesadillas.

Nutrition and Seasonality

Key Nutrients

Folate – Helps prevent birth defects, is needed to make DNA, and helps your cells divide, including red blood cells.
Vitamin C – Helps wounds heal, is important for the immune system, and is an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage.
Vitamin B6 – Important for immune system and brain function and helps you get energy from your food.

Seasonality

Fresh summer squash grown in Wisconsin is available from July through September.

Try New Foods

Eat together as a family. Make mealtime fun and relaxed.

Try new types of summer squash together, like zucchini, patty pan, or crookneck.

Select: Choose glossy, small-to-medium-size squash.
Store: Refrigerate and use within 3-4 days.
Prepare: Grill, steam, boil, or sauté. You can even eat the skin!

Add Summer Squash to Your Favorite Family Meals

Sauté chopped squash to add to pasta, burritos, or quesadillas.
Serve raw slices to dip in hummus.
Bake thin slices to make crispy zucchini chips.

Books

Carlos and the Squash Plant by Jan Stevens
The Giant Zucchini by Catherine Siracusa
I Heard it from Alice Zucchini by Juanita Havill
Zora’s Zucchini by Katherine Pryor

Kid Approved Zucchini Mini Pizzas

Slice zucchini into ¼ inch rounds and brush with olive oil.
Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Top with sauce and your favorite pizza toppings.
Bake until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Garden Connection

Planting

Summer squash is a tender vegetable that prefers warm weather. Plant seeds in the garden after the threat of frost has passed, from spring to mid-summer. Summer squash need full sun and plenty of room to grow. You can also plant summer squash in large containers.

Harvesting

Harvest summer squash when they are small and tender. Most elongated varieties, like zucchini, can be picked when they are 2 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches long. Harvest Patty pan squash when they are 3 to 4 inches wide. If a squash is left on the plant too long, it becomes large, hard, and seedy. Sometimes it is fun to see how large they can grow!