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Squashes generally refer to four species of the genus Cucurbita native to the New World, also called marrows depending on variety or the nationality of the speaker. In North America, squash is loosely grouped into summer squash or winter squash, as well as autumn squash (another name is cheese squash) depending on whether they are harvested as immature fruits (summer squash) or mature fruits (autumn squash or winter squash). Gourds are from the same family as squashes. Well known types of squash include the pumpkin and zucchini.

Summer squashes, including young vegetable marrows (such as zucchini also known as courgette, pattypan and yellow crookneck) are harvested during the growing season, while the skin is still tender and the fruit relatively small, they are consumed almost immediately and require little or no cooking. Winter squashes (such as butternut, Hubbard, buttercup, ambercup, acorn, spaghetti squash and pumpkin) are harvested at maturity, generally the end of summer, cured to further harden the skin, and stored in a cool place for eating later. They generally require longer cooking time than summer squashes.

In addition to the fruit, other parts of the plant are edible. Squash seeds can be eaten directly, ground into paste, or (particularly for pumpkins) pressed for vegetable oil. The shoots, leaves, and tendrils can be eaten as greens. The blossoms are an important part of native American cooking and are also used in many other parts of the world.

Cooking summer squash

Halve, scoop out the seeds and place the squash, un-skinned in boiling water. Boil for 12 minutes and test for softness with a fork. Remove and allow to cool so they can be handled then scoop the flesh from the skins and mash with a little butter and seasoning.

Roasting squashes

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  Winter squashes as decoration

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  A different way to cook marrows

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  2 patti pan squashes ready to roast

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  If they are an odd shape, roast them upside-down. Slice off the base instead of the top

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  Cucurbita maxima, our giant pumpkin weighing in at 39.7kg

The shape of some squashes make them awkward to sit evenly on a roasting tray. If that's the case, roast them upside-down, just snap off the stem and cut the base off instead of the top. Scoop out the seeds, wash the squash under cold water, season with salt and pepper, add a teaspoon of olive oil, optionally, a smashed clove of garlic and a handful of herbs. Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F / Gas 6 / Moderately hot and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes until the flesh is tender.

Cooking with marrows

For a different way to cook marrows, peel the marrow with a mandoline, cut into 4 cm (1.5") slices, cut the seeds out of the centre and rub with garlic olive oil. Cook for 10 to 20 minutes at 180° C (450° F - Gas 4) so they are to your liking. Cook the filling separately and dollop into the middle of the rings. Curried prawns or chili con carne works well.

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How much does one cup of Courgettes / Zucchini / Pumpkin / Squash weigh?

Estimated US cup to weight equivalents:

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Seasonal Information: Butternut Squash

This information relates to countries in the Northern Hemisphere; United Kingdom, USA, Europe, Canada, Russia, etc.

Brussels sprouts are at their best and in season during the following months: September & October

Seasonal Information: Courgettes

This information relates to countries in the Northern Hemisphere; United Kingdom, USA, Europe, Canada, Russia, etc.

Courgettes are at their best and in season during the following months: June, July, August, September & October

Seasonal Information: Marrows

This information relates to countries in the Northern Hemisphere; United Kingdom, USA, Europe, Canada, Russia, etc.

Marrows are at their best and in season during the following months: July, August, September & October

Seasonal Information: Pumpkins

This information relates to countries in the Northern Hemisphere; United Kingdom, USA, Europe, Canada, Russia, etc.

Pumpkins are at their best and in season during the following months: October, November & December

SQUASH AND PUMPKIN RECIPES