Summer Squash

We grow 5 different varieties of summer squash at Evolve Farm. Each offers their own unique qualities.  

  1. Golden Glory:
    This vibrant yellow zucchini is not only visually appealing but also offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for grilling, sautéing, or adding to baked goods for a nutritious boost.

  2. Kefren:
    A classic favorite, Kefren is a dark green zucchini known for its firm texture and rich taste. It’s versatile in the kitchen, great for stir-fries, ratatouille, or simply sliced raw in salads.

  3. Zephyr:
    Zephyr is a unique two-toned squash, featuring a creamy yellow base with green stripes. Its tender skin and buttery flavor make it a delicious addition to any dish, especially when grilled or roasted.

  4. Goldfinch:
    This tender yellow squash has a sweet, buttery flavor and a delicate texture. Goldfinch is excellent for steaming, baking, or using in casseroles, and its bright color adds a pop to your meals.

  5. Dunja:
    Dunja is a green summer squash known for its exceptional taste and crisp texture. It holds up well in cooking, making it ideal for sautéing, stuffing, or incorporating into soups.

How to Pick the Best Summer Squash

Harvesting summer squash is a breeze! Follow these steps to ensure you choose the tastiest squash:

Step-by-Step Harvesting Tips:

  1. Check for Size:

    • Look for squash that is 6-8 inches long for zucchinis and 4-6 inches for yellow squash. The smaller they are, the more tender and flavorful they’ll be.

  2. Inspect Color:

    • Choose squash that has a vibrant, consistent color. For instance, Golden Glory should be a bright yellow, while Kefren should be a deep green.

  3. Feel for Firmness:

    • Gently squeeze the squash. It should feel firm, not soft.

  4. Use the Right Tools:

    • Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the squash from the plant, leaving a short stem attached.

  5. Harvest Regularly:

    • Check your plants every few days! Summer squash grows quickly, and regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.

Nutritional Benefits

Summer squash is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

  • Low in Calories: Perfect for light meals!
  • High in Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Aids digestion and helps keep you full.

How to Store Your Summer Squash

Keep your freshly harvested squash at its best with these storage tips:

  1. Refrigerate:

    • Store squash in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer for up to a week.

  2. Avoid Washing:

    • Don’t wash squash until you’re ready to use it to prevent moisture buildup.

Ways to Preserve Summer Squash

Love summer squash? Here are some easy preservation methods:

  1. Freezing:

    • Slice or shred squash, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cool in ice water. Drain, package in freezer bags, and store.

  2. Canning:

    • Prepare squash and pack it into jars, covering with boiling water. Process in a pressure canner according to guidelines for safe preservation.

Easy Summer Squash Recipes

 

Sautéed Summer Squash Medley

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 2 medium yellow squash, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add sliced squash, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Serve warm!

Stuffed Summer Squash

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Scoop out the center of each zucchini half.
  3. Mix quinoa, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and half the cheese in a bowl.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the zucchini halves, top with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, until tender.

Grilled Summer Squash

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis (Kefren), sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium yellow squash (Goldfinch), sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  2. Toss sliced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place squash on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until tender and grill marks appear. Enjoy as a side dish!

Easy Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup oil or melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: ½ cup nuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  4. Combine: Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients, then fold in zucchini and optional add-ins.

  5. Bake: Pour into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. Cool and Serve: Let cool, slice, and enjoy!