Squash is an incredibly versatile and nutritious vegetable that has been enjoyed for centuries.
There are many different types of squash, each with its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
This blog post will explore the different types of squash and how they can benefit you.
From creamy butternut squash to delicate spaghetti squash, you’ll discover the amazing benefits of this beloved vegetable.
1. Pattypan Squash
Pattypan squash, also known as scallop squash or cymling, is a summer squash with a round or flat shape, usually in shades of green. Its flesh is succulent and sweet, and its flavor is mild.
Pattypan squash can be cooked in various ways and can be used in many different recipes.
This is the first on our list of the different types of squash, and it can be steamed, boiled, sautéed, stir-fried, baked, stuffed, and grilled.
It is also a great ingredient to add to soups and stews. When preparing pattypan squash, it is important to wash it well and then remove the skin before cutting it into cubes or slices.
2. Tromboncino Squash
Tromboncino squash is a type of summer squash that is grown on a vine and has a green zucchini-like shape with some bumps.
Its flavor is slightly sweeter than other summer squashes, making it a delicious addition to salads, pasta, and other dishes.
The best way to cook tromboncino squash is by roasting it in the oven for about 25 minutes with some olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
This method brings out its sweetness and adds a great depth of flavor. You can add it to your favorite stir-fry or bake it into bread, pies, and other baked goods.
No matter how you cook it, you’re sure to enjoy the unique flavor of this unique one of the different types of squash.
3. Yellow Squash
Yellow squash, also known as summer squash, is a type of squash that has a mild and sweet flavor.
Of the different types of squash, it is one of the most popular because it is easy to cook and can be added to various dishes.
Yellow squash can be cooked in various ways, including baking, roasting, steaming, stir-frying, and sautéing.
Furthermore, it is often used in soups, salads, stews, casseroles, and pasta dishes. When cooked, it becomes tender and sweet.
This type of squash pairs nicely with herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, and garlic.
4. Zephyr Squash
Zephyr squash is a type of summer squash that is easily recognizable due to its unique shape.
It is a cross between yellow crookneck and straight-neck squash, and it looks like a torpedo-shaped cucumber.
The flavor of the zephyr squash is quite mild, making it an ideal ingredient for soups, salads, and stir-fries. It can also be used in baking and roasting.
To cook zephyr squash which is also on this list of different types of squash, peel off its skin and dice it into small cubes. Cook them until they become tender before adding them to your dish.
5. Zucchini
Zucchini is a type of squash that is native to Italy and is also known as summer squash. It has a mild flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. The skin is edible, and the flesh is creamy white.
Zucchinis are incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and even desserts.
When selecting zucchini, look for specimens that are bright in color and firm with no bruises or soft spots.
When preparing zucchini, the most common way is to slice or cube them. They are one of the different types of squash that can also be grated into salads or used as a substitute for pasta in dishes.
Zucchini can be steamed, boiled, sautéed, roasted, grilled, and fried. The possibilities are endless! Be sure not to overcook them, though, as they will become mushy if done so.
Zucchinis are an excellent addition to many recipes and can add nutrition and flavor to any dish.
6. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a type of winter squash with a distinct ridged shape, resembling an acorn.
It has a sweet and nutty flavor and is perfect for roasting, baking, stuffing, or simply enjoying it as a side dish.
The flesh is dense and creamy, making it an excellent option for soups and stews. Acorn squash can also be mashed, pureed, and used to make delicious cakes and pies.
Acorn squash is incredibly flavorful when cooked properly and makes a great addition to any meal. To prepare acorn squash, you’ll need to cut it in half and scoop out the seeds.
Then, place the halves face down on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake in the oven until soft. Once done, let it cool before using it in your recipe.
The flesh of acorn squash is soft and buttery and pairs nicely with sweet flavors like cinnamon, honey, or brown sugar.
You can also stuff your roasted acorn squash with herbs and spices, nuts and dried fruit, or a combination of all three.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, acorn squash will add a unique and delicious flavor to your meal
7. Ambercup Squash
Ambercup squash is a unique type of winter squash with an eye-catching orange and yellow striped skin.
It has a sweet, nutty flavor and is great for roasting, baking, and mashing. Its flesh is dense, slightly sweet, and creamy in texture.
Ambercup squash, one of the different types of squash, can also be cubed and added to stir-fries or soups. Its small size makes it perfect for single servings.
When cooked, the skin can be eaten as well. Ambercup squash pairs especially well with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
8. Atlantic Giant
Atlantic Giant pumpkins are an incredibly large variety of squash, typically weighing between 400 to 1,000 pounds.
These huge pumpkins can reach up to 8 feet in diameter and have a rich, vibrant orange hue.
This type of squash is usually used for ornamental decoration due to its size and bright color. However, it can also be cooked.
Atlantic Giant pumpkins have a sweet taste and an incredibly thick flesh that’s perfect for roasting, baking, and even boiling.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, considering the different types of squash available, this is the squash for you!
9. Autumn Gold Pumpkins
Autumn Gold pumpkins are a popular type of squash with a vibrant yellow-orange color and a flattened, round shape.
They are known for their sweet flavor and are commonly used to make pies, soup, and other dishes. The thin skin makes them perfect for roasting, steaming, or boiling.
Autumn Gold pumpkins can also be used in salads, baked goods, and decorating the table during the fall season.
When cooking with Autumn Goold pumpkins, it is important to remove the seeds before cutting. To do this, cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
The seeds can then be roasted and added to salads, soups, and other dishes for added flavor.
When cooking the flesh of the pumpkin, be sure to use a sharp knife and cut it into small cubes or slices.
Roasting is the best way to bring out the sweet flavor and make the flesh tender. Enjoy!
10. Baby Bear Pumpkins
Still, on the list of the different types of squash, Baby Bear pumpkins are a type of winter squash with a sweet flavor.
They have a hard exterior and an orange color when ripe. The shape is round and squat, typically weighing between one and two pounds each.
These small pumpkins are perfect for stuffing and baking, and their meat can be pureed for use in pies and other desserts.
When cooked, the flesh is slightly dry but has a pleasant sweetness that makes it ideal for various recipes.
Because of their small size, Baby Bear pumpkins are also great for decoration and can be carved into Halloween jack-o-lanterns or displayed in the home year-round.
11. Baby Boo Pumpkins
Baby Boo Pumpkins are a small, white variety of pumpkins that resemble mini-sized jack-o’-lanterns.
These pumpkins are sweet and creamy, with a delicate flavor that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Baby Boo Pumpkins are great for adding to soups, stews, and sauces.
They are part of the different types of squash and can also be used in various recipes, including pies, bread, muffins, and desserts.
Roasted Baby Boo Pumpkins are especially delicious as a side dish, with their soft texture and mild flavor.
When selecting Baby Boo Pumpkins, look for ones that are heavy for their size and have an even color all the way around.
12. Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin
This isn’t just the name of your imaginative creation; it’s a type of pumpkin. These have a lovely oval form, weigh between 15 and 20 pounds, and are orange.
These pumpkins are not the sweetest, but trust me when I say they are still suitable for cooking.
Try roasting them or making pumpkin puree with them. If you are looking for different squash types, here’s a great option.
13. Big Max Squash
Big Max squash is a large winter squash that can reach up to 30 pounds. It has thick, dark green skin and yellowish-orange flesh.
The shape of the Big Max squash is round and oval, with deep ribbing. It has a sweet flavor and can be cooked like other winter squashes, such as acorn and butternut.
This squash is great for baking and roasting but can also be used in soups and casseroles. The flesh becomes soft and sweet when cooked, making it a perfect side dish or main course.
Big Max squash is also excellent for stuffing, especially when combined with other vegetables or meats.
14. Big Moon Pumpkin
Big Moon Pumpkins are an heirloom variety of winter squash. They have a unique, flat, round shape and can grow up to 15-20 pounds. The skin is thick and firm, and the flavor is sweet and nutty.
Big Moon Pumpkins are also different types of squash. They are best cooked by roasting in the oven, steaming, or boiling.
Roasting in the oven brings out the sweet and nutty flavor, while steaming and boiling will preserve more of its natural sweetness.
Big Moon Pumpkins can be used as a substitute for other winter squashes in soups, pies, or other recipes that call for winter squash.
The flesh can also be used as a side dish or pureed and added to sauces or dressings.
15. Blue Prince Pumpkins
Blue Prince Pumpkins are a unique type of squash, boasting a vibrant blue color.
This type of squash is highly nutritious and contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium.
They are commonly used in soups and stews and can also be boiled or roasted for a delicious side dish.
Blue Prince Pumpkins can also be used to make a wonderful autumn-inspired pumpkin pie.
For a creative twist on this classic dessert, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of honey.
Either way, you’re sure to delight in the sweet flavor of these beautiful blue pumpkins on our list of different types of squash.
16. Bonbon Squash
Bonbon squash is an heirloom summer squash variety known as Patisson Panaché. This squash is easily recognizable by its distinctive bright green, yellow, and white striped rind.
The sweet, firm flesh is edible raw or cooked, making it a versatile addition to various recipes.
The squash has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with herbs and spices when cooked.
Bonbon squash can be roasted, grilled, boiled, or sautéed and served as a side dish or incorporated into main dishes such as soups and stews.
It can also be used in desserts such as pies, cobblers, and muffins for a unique twist.
17. Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash is a type of winter squash that is known for its sweet and nutty flavor.
It is one of the different squash types with a deep green rind and is similar in size and shape to a pumpkin.
The flesh of the buttercup squash is a bright orange color and has a mild, sweet taste. It can be used in many different ways, from baking to roasting to making soups and stews.
The buttercup squash can also be made into various dishes, including roasted butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, and roasted squash with sage.
18. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the most popular varieties of squash. It has thick, tan-colored skin and orange flesh that’s sweet and flavorful.
The flavor of butternut squash can range from nutty to sweet, depending on how it’s cooked. It is great for roasting, baking, pureeing into soups, or cooking as part of a stir-fry.
Butternut squash can also be used to make pies, muffins, casseroles, and more. Its sweet flavor pairs well with herbs like sage and thyme.
19. Lumina Pumpkins
White pumpkins, ghosts, and full moon pumpkins are other names for Lumina Pumpkins. They weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and have flawless skin.
They are one of the different types of squash on this list that are excellent for fall decorating but also suitable for baking.
This adorable type is ideal for cooking and decorating (can a pumpkin be adorable?).
White pumpkins have an earthy flavor and can be prepared similarly to butternut squash in the kitchen.
They can be used in various dishes, including waffles, muffins, quesadillas, salad, soup, and casserole.
20. Carnival Squash
Carnival squash is a type of winter squash with beautiful multi-colored skin and a sweet, slightly nutty flavor.
It’s an oblong-shaped squash with an orange, yellow, and green striped exterior. Carnival squash has a creamy orange flesh that cooks up moist and tender when roasted.
Compared to the different types of squash on this list, this squash is perfect for roasting, sautéing, steaming, and stuffing.
When cooked, the sweet taste of the carnival squash pairs well with herbs, spices, and other flavors like garlic, butter, sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Try it as a side dish or in soups, casseroles, and pies for a unique addition to your meals.
21. Charisma Pumpkins
Charisma pumpkins are a type of squash that is a hybrid between a Butternut and a Japanese Kuri.
They have an orange rind with cream-colored streaks and weigh around 3-5 pounds. The flesh inside is creamy and sweet, with a smooth texture and mild flavor.
Charisma pumpkins can be roasted, steamed, baked, or sautéed. They can also be used to make delicious pumpkin pies, soups, muffins, cakes, and other desserts.
They are a great addition to any garden and an excellent choice for those who love to cook with squash.
22. Lebanese squash
Lebanese squash is a type of winter squash that looks like a round, orange-fleshed squash with white stripes. It has a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
This squash is also on our list of the different types of squash, and it is often used in soups, stews, and roasts.
Lebanese squash is high in fiber, Vitamin A, and potassium. It is also low in calories and fat. This squash can be boiled, baked, or roasted to enjoy its unique flavor.
It can also be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in various dishes. The seeds of the Lebanese squash can also be toasted for an added flavor to salads or other dishes.
23. Pie Pumpkins
Pie pumpkins are smaller and rounder than regular pumpkins, yet they are the same vibrant orange color.
This kind is ideal for baking, as their name implies! They are excellent for pureeing and may be used in pies, muffins, cupcakes, and anything else, thanks to their sweet flavor.
They are different types of squash excellent for dicing and cooking due to their deep center. They don’t have as much string as regular pumpkins.
Although there are various ways to prepare pumpkin, a nice puree is a foundation for many delicious pumpkin sweets. You may purchase something at a grocery store or manufacture your own quickly.
24. Banana Squash
Banana squash is a type of winter squash with a rich, sweet flavor. It has a bright yellow-orange color and a unique shape similar to a banana’s shape.
The flesh of the banana squash is tender when cooked and can be enjoyed in various dishes.
25. Green Egg Squash
Green Egg Squash is an heirloom variety of squash with a long history in the Americas. Its name comes from its egg-like shape and its green color.
This squash of different types of squash can be eaten raw, cooked, steamed, or roasted. It has a sweet, nutty flavor.
Coupled with that, it is also a great source of fiber and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Egg Squash is a versatile vegetable that can be added to salads, pasta, soups, and other dishes.
Additionally, it can be stuffed with grains, cheese, and vegetables for an easy and delicious side dish.
26. Cousa Squash
Cousa squash, also known as Syrian squash, is an heirloom summer squash with a flavor that is a bit more earthy than other summer squashes.
Its exterior is covered in bumpy ridges, and its shape is oblong, similar to that of a cucumber. Its flesh is light green, juicy, and tender.
This one of the different types of squash can be used in any recipe that calls for zucchini or other summer squash.
27. Turban Squash
A pumpkin variation with a genuinely distinctive appearance is the turban squash. They have the appearance of a pumpkin with the head of a second, slightly smaller pumpkin sprouting out of it or perhaps with the top cracked off.
The fact that the two halves are typically different colors—orange, orange-red, or pale—adds to the turban-like appearance.
They are known to cook up perfectly despite their odd appearance among other different types of squash.
28. Crookneck Squash
Crookneck squash is a type of yellow squash. It has a curved neck and smooth skin. The flesh is tender, sweet, and juicy. The yellow color of the squash makes it a great addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries.
It can also be grilled, roasted, or boiled and served as a side dish. When cooked, crookneck squash has a slightly nutty flavor.
29. Delicata Squash
Delicata squash is a small, oblong squash with green and yellow stripes on this list of different types of squash.
It has a creamy white flesh that is sweet and nutty in flavor. The thin skin of this squash is edible, making it convenient to prepare.
The small size of this squash makes it ideal for stuffing and baking. It can also be used to make soups and sauces or roasted with other vegetables.
30. Fortune Squash
Fortune squash is a unique variety of winter squash that stands out for its vibrant yellow-orange hue.
It has a hard rind and can be used as a decorative item in addition to being cooked and eaten.
This squash is sweeter than most other varieties and has a smooth and creamy texture when cooked.
31. Globe Zucchini
Globe zucchini, also known as spaghetti squash, is a unique type on this list of different types of squash.
It has a sweet flavor, a mild nutty aroma, and a firm texture. Its flesh can be shredded into long strands resembling pasta when cooked.
32. Gold Rush Squash
Gold Rush Squash is a popular variety typically harvested in late summer. It resembles other summer squashes like zucchini, crookneck, and pattypan squash.
Its exterior is golden yellow and has tender flesh with a slightly sweet flavor. It can be served as a side dish or used in various recipes.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a nutritious, versatile vegetable to add to your weekly meals? Squash is an excellent choice!
Squash is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. It is also incredibly versatile and comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
This article discussed the different types of squash and its nutritional benefits. We also explored some delicious ways to incorporate squash into your meals.
So grab your chef’s hat and get cooking!
