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summer squash – [ESSEN UND TRINKEN]
Here’s what exactly summer squash is and how to recognize it. We will also introduce you to the different varieties that the term summer squash combines.
What makes summer squash

Summer squash has many faces
© macalit
Summer squash is harvested unripe. Then it has a very fine, soft shell that can be eaten in most cases.
Summer squash has a short growing season, so it can be harvested relatively quickly after sowing. At the same time, summer squash doesn’t stay fresh for very long. At seven to ten degrees Celsius it can be kept for a maximum of three weeks.
The clear identifying feature of a summer squash is a sharp-edged, angular stem.
Summer squash: from acorn to zucchini
The term summer squash includes many different varieties that vary in size, color and shape.
The Acorn or Acorn squash comes from the USA. This summer squash impresses with its peppery, nutty taste.
The twist gourd or crookneck is often used as an ornamental gourd. In southern countries, summer squash is also used as a vegetable. The fruits are club-shaped and thin and curved on the stem side.
A summer squash with shellless seeds, which are said to have high health benefits, is called oil squash. The exclusive pumpkin seed oil is obtained from the Styrian oil pumpkin. The most important sub-variety of this summer squash is the “Lady Godiva”.
A patisson is a particularly small summer squash whose shape is reminiscent of a UFO. It is sometimes used as an ornamental pumpkin because of its special appearance, but is certainly suitable as a table pumpkin.
The Rondini is a summer squash that probably comes from the tropics of Asia and Africa. The small ball-shaped vegetable looks similar to the round zucchini. However, the two differ in their growth habit. While the zucchini grows in a bush shape, the Rondini is a climbing plant. Another difference is that a Rondini cannot be eaten raw.
A special summer squash is spaghetti squash. The oval, yellowish fruit can be cooked whole. The long, fibrous pulp, which is very reminiscent of spaghetti, then separates from the inside. In fact, this summer squash is often eaten that way – plain with pasta sauces. But it is also suitable for Röstis, for example.
Zucchini is also a summer squash. The popular vegetable is available in yellow and green and in different shapes. This summer squash can also be eaten raw and with the peel on.