1. Summer squash are 95% water
2. Squash blossoms can also be cooked
3. Recipes include both sweet and savory

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• by Susan MacDowell

• Summer squash differs from winter squash in that it is harvested before the fruit is fully mature.University of Illinois Extension: Summer Squash The skin has not yet hardened and the seeds are still small and tender.University of Illinois Extension: Summer Squash This guide to how to cook summer squash will introduce you to several techniques you can use to successfully enjoy this versatile vegetable.

• While there are a number of different types of summer squash, the three most popular varieties are yellow squash, zucchini and patty pan.How Stuff Works: Summer Squash Types KraftFoods.com: Seasonal Produce: Summer Squash

• Yellow squash varies in shade from pale yellow to deep gold. Although it is traditionally boiled or steamed, serving as a perfect foil for butter, it also benefits from more creative preparation techniques.Recipezaar: Steamed Summer Squash in Butter

• Many people think of zucchini in connection with Italian cooking.Winston Salem Journal: Using up all that Summer Squash Recipezaar: Italian Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes However, you can do a lot more with it! In addition to being steamed, sauteed, grilled or roasted, it works well in casseroles, mixed with pasta or grated and used in a cake or meatloaf.

• Sometimes called scallop squash, patty pan's round shape makes it particularly well suited to stuffing.Healthy Recipes for Kids: Scallop Squash Recipes All Recipes: Stuffed Pattypan Squash Patty pan squash can be green or yellow.

• Because of the thin peel and immature seeds, the entire squash is edible.University of California: Summer Squash (85.17 KB) Summer squash shouldn't be washed until immediately before preparing, to make sure the skin stays intact.Cambridge Culinary Institute: How to Prepare Summer Squash

• Summer squash has a high water content.KraftFoods.com: #Seasonal Produce: Summer Squash If you're using it in a recipe where excess water would be a problem, such as a casserole, you'll want to "salt" it first.Green Giant: Summer Squash In addition to the squash and salt, you'll need a colander and paper towels.

1. Slice the squash.
2. Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt on both sides.
3. Place the colander in the sink, or in a larger bowl, to catch the water.
4. After an hour, wipe the squash dry with paper towels, and proceed with the recipe.
5. If you're on a salt restricted diet, you may want to rinse the salt off, instead of just wiping it.

• Steamed squash is a simple way to enjoy this vegetable. If you don't have a steamer basket, see our How to Steam Vegetables page for alternate methods.

• Simple and delicious sauteed summer squash can be enjoyed on its own or served with pasta for a quick dinner.

• Roasted summer squash is a delicious side dish to plan when the oven is already in use for another part of the meal. It also mixes well with pasta for a savory main dish.Food Network: Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables

• Food Network: Summer Squash Casserole
  • Paula Deen uses 6 yellow or patty pan squash in this savory casserole featuring onion and garlic.
• Epicurious.com: Summer Squash Bread and Butter Pickles
  • This unique pickle recipe uses two types of summer squash instead of cucumbers.
• All Recipes: Summer Squash Puffs
  • Corn muffin mix and squash combine to produce these deep fried fritters.