What is the difference between summer and winter types of squash?
The answer to how types of squash are categorized lies in how long they last in cold storage.
Summer types of squash tend to have thin skins. They do not store well. Hence, they are eaten shortly following harvest, which occurs in the summertime.
Winter types of squash have thicker skins. They last several months in cold storage. Prior to the advent of refrigeration, winter squashes were saved to eat during the wintertime.
Summer Squash Varieties
- Zucchini
- Yellow
- Pattypan
- Crookneck
- Zephyr
- Ronde de Nice
- Cousa
Winter Squash Varieties
- Acorn
- Ambercup
- Buttercup
- Butternut
- Banana
- Fairytale Pumpkin
- Pumpkins
- Delicata
- Carnival
- Gold Nugget
- Hubbard
- Kabocha
- Spaghetti
- Turban
- Sweet Dumpling
How to Harvest and Store Winter Squash
When removing winter squash from the vine, leave a few inches of stem intact. Be careful not to nick or damage the skin. Place whole winter squash on top of thick pads of newspaper or cardboard in a cool, dry location. The keep best in storage that is well-ventilated location, preferably between 45 and 50 degrees F. Check on a regular basis for rot, and use any damaged squashes first. Use within three to six months, depending on variety of squash.
How to Grow Pumpkins Naturally at Home
10 Summer Squash Varieties: Some You Know; Some You Don’t
Types of Squash: Summer and Winter Squash
