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Yankee Pier: Tis the Season for Summer Squash
The English word squash is derived from a word from the Narrangansett language, akutasquash, which means a green thing eaten raw. Which although isnt always the case with squash, it is more so with the summer variety.
Although there is evidence of cultivated squash in Mesoamerica 10,000 years ago, its most remembered emergence was via Native Americans. They were responsible for growing three main indigenous plants used for agriculture purposes (the Three Sisters); squash, corn and beans, planted together, their individual components helping each other grow successfully.
In North America, squash (or marrow) are loosely subset into two groups, summer and winter, based entirely on how mature the plant is upon harvested.
The winter squash (pumpkin, butternut, etc) are harvested at full maturity, and are cured to harden the skin for eating later. The summer squash (zucchini, pattypan and yellow crookneck) are harvested during the growing season, allowing for smaller sized squash with more tender flesh and delicate flavor. Because of its soft skin the rind is edible, as opposed to winter squash, and requires little to no cooking, which allows for more versatility in dishes. However, because of their fragility, it is important when purchasing or picking to be on the lookout for bruises, which can affect their texture and taste.
Once summer squash is scrubbed and rinsed, the stem cut off and the other end scraped, youre pretty much ready to use. Only if the skin is unusually rough or gritty should you have to peel the squash before cooking or eating.
It can be served raw in crudite-type applications on vegetable platters or in salads, pureed into a soup, sauted with herbs and olive oil, deep fried, baked with cheese in a gratin, or stuffed with meat or cheese. Even the blossoms, leaves and shoots can be eaten and are often a delicious touch in soups or omelets.
No matter how you choose to cook (or eat) these sweet, flavorful squash, be sure to get them before the seasons over, and eat fresh, eat local, always!
