YELLOW ZUCCHINI PROLIFIC STRAIGHTNECK

Straightneck Squash: History and Characteristics

• Origin
  Harry Paris explains that the Straightneck squash is the result of a cross between crookneck and acorn breeders. This development led to the creation of more uniform varieties that were adapted to the needs of gardeners. Among these varieties, the Yellow Straightneck was first introduced in 1938 by Ferry Morse, one of the oldest seed companies in the United States.

• Early Prolific Straightneck
  Early Prolific Straightneck has become an iconic American squash variety. It is especially prized for its early yield and ability to produce abundant fruit. Native to the United States, this squash has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and farmers due to its great adaptability and reliable growth.

• Features and Popularity
  This squash, with its beautiful yellow color, is an integral part of the summer squash family. It is known for its distinctive shape and delicate flavor, making it a great addition to many dishes. Gardeners appreciate not only its taste, but also its ability to grow in a variety of soil types and climates.

Early Prolific Straightneck received the All-America Selections award in 1938, a mark of quality that recognizes its superior characteristics and growing popularity in vegetable gardens across North America.

• Straightneck squash, and Early Prolific Straightneck in particular, is a horticultural success story. With its history of careful breeding and reputation for productivity, it continues to be a gardener’s favorite, bringing to the table a flavor and texture that is appreciated in many summer dishes. Its place in vegetable gardens is a testament to its enduring importance in North American culinary culture.

Properties of Prolific Straightneck Yellow Squash

Rich in Nutrients:

• Contains essential vitamins like A, C and K, supporting eye health, the immune system and blood clotting.
  Antioxidants:
• Rich in beta-carotene and lutein, it helps fight oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

Dietary Fiber:

• A source of fiber, it promotes healthy digestion and contributes to intestinal regularity.

Hydration:

• Composed of 90 % water, it helps maintain good hydration, particularly in summer.
  Low in Calories:
• With around 20 kcal per 100 g, it is ideal for light diets.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

• Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Straightneck squash offers a multitude of health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Traditional Recipes with Straightneck Squash

• 1. Roasted Straightneck Squash
  Ingredients :

2 Straightneck squash, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Herbs of Provence (optional)
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Add herbs if desired.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

• 2. Straightneck Squash Gratin
  Ingredients :

1 Straightneck squash, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
200 ml of crème fraîche
100 g grated cheese (cheddar or Gruyere)
Salt, pepper and nutmeg
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a saucepan, sauté the onion until tender.
Add the diced squash and cook for a few minutes.
In a baking dish, mix the squash, cream, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

• 3. Straightneck Squash Soup
  Ingredients :

1 Straightneck squash, cut into pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 liter of vegetable broth
200 ml cream (optional)
Salt and pepper
Preparation :

In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
Add the squash pieces and broth. Simmer until the squash is tender.
Blend the soup until smooth.
Stir in cream if desired, and season with salt and pepper.

Dessert Recipes

• 1. Straightneck Squash Cake
  Ingredients :

1 cup Straightneck squash puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, mix together the squash puree, oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
Pour into a greased mold and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check the cooking with a toothpick.

• 2. Straightneck Squash Pie
  Ingredients :

1 pie crust
2 cups Straightneck squash puree
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Spread the pie dough in a mold and prick the bottom with a fork.
In a bowl, mix the squash puree, sugar, eggs, spices and milk until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the dough and bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is firm.

• 3. Straightneck Squash Muffins
  Ingredients :

1 cup Straightneck squash puree
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparation :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a muffin tin.
In a bowl, mix the squash puree, sugar, honey, oil and eggs.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Straightneck squash can add a mild flavor and moist texture to your desserts. Try these recipes for delicious ways to incorporate this squash into your sweet treats. It offers a multitude of health benefits, making it a great choice for a balanced diet.

They are mature at twelve to fourteen inches long, but are tender and succulent when five to six inches long.

Produces 6 to 8 pale yellow, club-shaped summer squash per plant.

You won't need to grow many of these plants as they are fairly prolific producers, unless you have a lot of friends and family who enjoy Yellow Straightneck Squash.

Sow squash in the garden 2 weeks after the last average frost date in spring, which is around late April and early May.

To get a head start on the season, sow squash indoors about 3 weeks before transplanting it to the garden.

Plan all your planting so that the squashes are harvested before the first fall frost.

Finally, don't worry if you forget some and they become huge, you will be able to use them during the winter season, if you store them well :)

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

• Species: Cucurbita pepo
• Sowing: Early April (under cover, outdoor greenhouse) or early April to late May indoors, I advise you to take small compostable pots
• Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, beginning of May and put the plants in the ground at the end of May, beginning of June
  The compostable pots will be ready to put directly in the ground at the beginning of June.
• Sowing depth: 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: 50-80 days | Productive
• Seed per envelope: +/- 25
  Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.