Summer squash is a low-calorie vegetable that is perfect for adding to your diet. 100 g of crookneck and straightneck summer squash (with salt, drained, cooked, boiled) only contains 20 calories, making it a great addition to any meal.

Not only is summer squash low in calories, but it is also packed with vitamins and minerals. A 100-g serving of summer squash provides 30% of your daily intake of vitamin C, 10% of your daily intake of potassium, and 6% of your daily intake of magnesium.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional information, health benefits, cooking methods, recipes, seasonality, storage, preparation, varieties, trivia, and culinary uses of crookneck and straightneck summer squash.

Nutritional Information

As mentioned earlier, summer squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, summer squash is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. Furthermore, summer squash also contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect your body from free radical damage. Overall, adding summer squash to your diet is a great way to boost your nutrient intake while keeping your calorie count low.

Health Benefits

In addition to being nutrient-dense, summer squash also offers many health benefits. For example, the high potassium content found in summer squash can help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. The antioxidants found in summer squash can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor to many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Overall, incorporating summer squash into your diet can help improve your overall health and prevent chronic diseases.

Cooking Methods

Summer squash can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, roasting, and boiling. Sautéing or grilling summer squash is a great way to add some flavor to the vegetable and give it a slightly crispy texture. Roasting summer squash is a good option if you're looking for a more soft and tender texture. Boiling summer squash is another option, though it can make the vegetable a bit mushy. If you do choose to boil summer squash, be sure to only cook it for a short amount of time to preserve its texture. Overall, the cooking method you choose will largely depend on your personal preference and the dish you are making.

Recipes

There are many delicious recipes that feature summer squash as a main ingredient. One popular recipe is summer squash noodles, which involves using a spiralizer to turn the summer squash into pasta-like noodles. Another tasty recipe is summer squash gratin, which involves layering sliced summer squash with cheese and breadcrumbs and baking until golden brown. Summer squash can also be used as a healthy alternative to heavy carbs such as pasta and rice in dishes like summer squash risotto or summer squash lasagna. Overall, there are endless ways to incorporate summer squash into your recipes and add some delicious and healthy variety to your diet.

Seasonality

Crookneck and straightneck summer squash are in peak season from June through September, making them widely available and affordable during those months. When selecting summer squash, look for firm and unblemished vegetables with a bright yellow or green color. Avoid squash that is soft, discolored, or has any spots on it. Overall, the summer months are the best time to enjoy crookneck and straightneck summer squash at peak flavor and affordability.

Storage

To keep your summer squash fresh, store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Be sure to keep it dry, as moisture can cause it to spoil more quickly. Summer squash can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator, but it is best to use it within a few days of purchase for optimal flavor and texture. Overall, properly storing your summer squash can help prolong its shelf life and prevent premature spoilage.

Preparation

Before cooking summer squash, be sure to wash it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. For recipes that require sliced or diced summer squash, simply cut off the stem end and slice or dice the vegetable as desired. Overall, preparing summer squash for cooking is a simple and straightforward process.

Varieties

Crookneck and straightneck summer squash come in a variety of different colors and shapes. The most common varieties are yellow and green, but you can also find striped and multicolored varieties as well. In addition to their color, summer squash can also differ in their shape. Crookneck squash has a distinct curved shape, while straightneck squash is straighter in appearance. Overall, there are many different varieties of crookneck and straightneck summer squash to choose from, each with their own subtle differences in taste and appearance.

Trivia

Summer squash is a member of the gourd family, which also includes pumpkins, zucchini, and cucumbers. The flowers that grow on summer squash plants are edible and can be battered and fried for a tasty snack. Overall, crookneck and straightneck summer squash are a unique and interesting vegetable with many surprising facts and uses.

Culinary Uses

Summer squash can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-frys to soups and stews. It is also a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, as it can be used as a meat substitute in dishes like summer squash tacos and summer squash burgers. Overall, summer squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different dishes and culinary styles.