CROOKNECK YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH

This squash is one of the oldest varieties of squash dating back to pre-Columbian times cultivated by the Waban Aki First Nations (Abnehaki Nation), it was introduced to colonial gardeners in the early 1700s by the Leni Lenape of the Delaware River Valley.

The word squash comes from Askutasquash, or "a green thing eaten raw."

What makes a squash a summer squash, as opposed to a winter squash, is that it ripens quickly, with a thin, edible rind that delights the summer season.

Unlike winter squash, summer squash does not keep for long.

This variety can be smooth or striated. Generally bottle-shaped, it grows in summer, sometimes abundantly, and is often one of the best producers in the garden. Personally I like to pick it when it is not completely mature, the more you harvest the more you will have. Towards the end of summer I leave a few on the plant to be able to make soups at the beginning of winter.

In order to get the best harvest from summer squash plants, wait to plant the seeds in the ground after all danger of frost has passed. In most areas, planting summer squash should be done in early spring. Sometimes, however, it could be later, depending on the climate.

Rich in vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Good source, beneficial for eye health and skin.
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
• Vitamin B6: Important for metabolism.
  Minerals:
• Potassium: Helpful for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
• Calcium: Contributes to bone health.
• Dietary fiber: Promotes digestion and satiety.
• Benefits
• Antioxidants: Contains compounds that help fight oxidative stress.
• Hydration: High in water, which is beneficial for hydration.

Yellow crookneck summer squash is therefore an excellent choice for a healthy diet!

Recipes with Crookneck Yellow Summer Squash

• 1. Crookneck Squash Sauté
  Ingredients :

Crookneck squash
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Preparation :

Cut the squash into rounds or cubes.
Heat oil in a frying pan. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Add the squash and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender. Season with salt and pepper.

• 2. Grilled Crookneck Squash
  Ingredients :

Crookneck squash
Olive oil
Herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Salt
Preparation :

Cut the squash into long slices.
Brush with olive oil, season with herbs and salt.
Grill on the barbecue or in a grill pan for 3-4 minutes on each side, until marked and tender.

• 3. Crookneck Squash Soup
  Ingredients :

Crookneck squash, diced
Broth (vegetable or chicken)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Cream (optional)
Preparation :

Brown the onion and garlic in a saucepan with a little oil.
Add squash and broth. Simmer until squash is tender.
Blend until smooth. Add cream if desired, then season to taste.

• 4. Crookneck Squash Stew
  Ingredients :

Crookneck squash, diced
Assorted vegetables (carrots, peppers)
Beans (black or white)
Spices of your choice (cumin, paprika)
Preparation :

In a large saucepan, add the squash and vegetables.
Add the beans and spices. Simmer until tender, adding a little water if necessary.

• 5. Crookneck Squash Pie or Gratin
  Ingredients :

Crookneck squash, precooked and diced
3 eggs
200 ml of cream
Cheese (cheddar or other)
Pie dough
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the eggs, cream, and cheese. Add the pre-cooked squash.
Pour the mixture into a pie crust.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.

Crookneck yellow summer squash is delicious and versatile, perfect for a variety of preparations. These simple recipes showcase its mild flavor and crunchy texture. Enjoy!

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

• Species: Cucurbita pepo
• Sowing: Early April (under cover, outdoor greenhouse) or early May indoors
• Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, beginning of May and put the plants in the ground at the end of May, beginning of June
• The pots will be ready to put in the ground at the beginning of June.
• Sowing depth: 1-2cm
• Germination time: 5-13 days
• Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
• Location: Requires very hot cultivation and plenty of sun
• Spacing between plants: 70-80cm
• Height at maturity: 50-80 cm
• Maturity: 60-90 days | Productive
• Seed per envelope: +/- 25
  Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.