The farmers market is the place to be nowadays. The summer produce is at its best and there are so many interesting fruits and vegetables to try out. Personally, this is my favorite time of the year! One of my favorite veggies that I like to keep around in the kitchen is summer squash. With its mild flavor and variety of uses in dishes, it's has to be one of summers most popular ingredients.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do love my share of autumn and winter squash like spaghetti and butternut squash, but there are a bunch of summer squash varieties that are just as tasty.
Whether you'll be planting some squash seeds in your garden this year or taking a look at the different types from the farmers market, check out our helpful guide of summer squash varieties.
1. Green Zucchini
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This is classic zucchini that you can find in the store year round, but now is the time to buy it for the best flavor. This type of summer squash has a deep green color with smooth skin and mild taste. It's extremely versatile and can be eaten in a number of ways. Try using it for zucchini bread, zucchini chips, or even raw in a salad.
2. Yellow Zucchini
Yellow zucchini, or sometimes called golden zucchini is very much like green zucchini, but obviously the color is different. Like green zucchini, it has a very delicate and mild flavor and some even say it's a little sweeter. Yellow zucchini has that same straight body with smooth skin.
Use it like you would green zucchini-bake with it, eat it raw, make zoodles, or even mix the two together for some gorgeous color!
3. Yellow Squash
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Yellow squash really lives up to its name! It has a vibrant yellow color with bumpier skin. You might spot two different varieties: crookneck squash and straightneck squash. They taste the same, however, the crookneck curves at the top. Both squash varieties are fatter towards the bottom and taste delicious when mixed with green and yellow zucchini.
You can also sauté them or use them in a squash casserole dish.
4. Pattypan Squash
With its fun shape and small size, there's no doubt that pattypan squash, also called scallop squash, will be all the talk at the dinner table! This type of summer squash is disc-shaped with scalloped edges and comes in a variety of colors: dark green, pale green, yellow, and white.
Pattypan squash is a little crunchier, with a very mild taste. They're also very versatile and can be sliced up for a quick sauté, thrown on the grill, or stuffed. They also make a nice addition to your summer table centerpiece.
5. Zephyr Squash
Even summer squash has taken part in the ombré trend! This two toned squash, better known as zephyr squash, has a yellow body with a pale green bottom. The skin is slightly thicker, but this type of hybrid squash still has that mild flavor to it and can be used like yellow squash or zucchini.
6. Eight Ball Zucchini
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This is another summer squash variety that also lives up to its name! Eight ball zucchini is in the shape of a round eight ball and is very similar to classic green zucchini. It has that same dark green color with tender skin and a mild flavor.
It's perfect to enjoy raw, grilled, steamed, or grilled.
7. Costata Romanesco Zucchini
Talk about a gorgeous type of squash! Costata romamesco zucchini has a pretty striped look to it with a pale green and dark green pattern throughout.
The skin is thin, however, this summer squash has a unique flavor- it's nutty and sweet with an amazing texture. You can use it like green zucchini and either cook with it or keep it raw.
8. Cousa Squash
Cousa squash is an excellent type to try out this summer. It's obviously rounder and shorter than green zucchini, but has a slightly sweeter taste to it.
Cousa squash has a speckled pale green or medium green outer skin, which is very tender, so there's no need to peel it. This type of summer squash is common in Middle Eastern cuisine, but can also be prepared like classic zucchini or squash.
9. Tatuma Squash
Often used in Latin dishes, tatuma squash is very similar in texture, flavor and color to green zucchini and yellow squash. It has a spotted green skin and can be mixed with other squash varieties.
Try using them in a squash casserole or throw them into your next stir-fry or soup.
