Squash

General Information:

Although we’ve put this article in our vegetables section, squashes are actually fruits! Because they aren’t sweet, they are typically used as vegetables. The squash is versatile. While some require cooking, others like zucchini can be prepared raw.

Selection and Storage:

Avoid storing squash near apples, avocados or passionfruit, all of which are are natural ripening agents that release ethylene gas. When storing winter squash with woody stems (such as acorn, buttercup, butternut, turban and pumpkins) leave a 4-inch (or longer) stem on the fruit. Fleshy or softer stems (such as those found on banana and hubbard squash) can be cut to one 1 to 2 inches. This helps to retain moisture.

Preparation and Cooking:

The squash is versatile. While some require cooking others, like zucchini, can be prepared raw. Squash can be cookied in nearly every conceivable way: raw, sautéed, grilled, steamed, boiled, broiled, baked, fried, microwaved or freeze-dried.