10 Types of Squash You Must Grow and Cook With (Excluding Zucchini and Yellow Crookneck)

Squash is one of the most versatile vegetables, which makes it perfect for any garden. If you're a fan of squash and want to try different varieties, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll cover ten types of squash that you must grow and cook with, excluding the commonly known zucchini and yellow crookneck squash. We'll go over what they look like, their properties, and share our taste test results with you.

Best Time to Plant

Before we dive into the ten different types of squash, it's important to know the best time to plant them. All of these varieties of squash are best planted in April and May. You can start the seeds indoors about two weeks before the last frost date or plant the seeds directly in your garden after the last frost. You can continue planting the seeds until the end of June.

Red Curry Squash

Red curry squash is a winter squash with a thick orange skin. It takes about four months from seed to harvest, and the squash weighs from one to two pounds. The inside of the red curry squash is also orange in color. The flavor of the red curry squash is buttery, earthy, and nutty, with a smooth texture.

Silver Bell Squash

Silver bell squash derives its name from its shape and color. The outside skin is silverish, while the inside is yellow to light orange. The squash can weigh from half a pound to up to three pounds and is a great producer. The flavor of the silver bell squash is smooth, buttery, and has a little kick at the end.

Kamakama Squash

Also known as kumikumi squash, the kamakama squash can be eaten green or let to cure and ripen on the vine. When it ripens, it turns yellow with green stripes. The squash weighs from two to four pounds and is part of the staple diet of Maori people in New Zealand. The flavor of kamakama squash is earthy, not too sweet, and has a slight bite to it.

Delicata Squash

Delicata squash is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash. It can be elongated or round, about three inches wide and six inches long. The flavor of the delicata squash is nutty and buttery, with a smooth texture.

Buttercup Squash

Buttercup squash has a green exterior with a flat top and turban-like shape. The inside is orange and has a dense texture. The flavor of the buttercup squash is sweet and nutty, with a slight earthy taste.

Carnival Squash

Carnival squash is a hybrid of sweet dumpling and acorn squash. It has a green, yellow, and orange skin and weighs from one to two pounds. The inside is orange and yellow and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

Hubbard Squash

Hubbard squash is a winter squash with a bumpy exterior and a blue-green skin. It can weigh from five to twenty-five pounds and has a bright orange flesh with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

Kabocha Squash

Kabocha squash has a green, bluish-gray skin and weighs from two to three pounds. The inside is bright orange and has a dense, slightly dry texture. The flavor of the kabocha squash is sweet and nutty, with a slightly earthy taste.

Sweet Dumpling Squash

This small squash has a distinctive shape, with a round bottom and a flat top. It has a green and white striped outer skin and is about 4-6 inches in diameter. The sweet dumpling squash has a sweet and nutty flavor with a smooth texture. It is perfect for roasting, stuffing, or making soups and stews.

Indian Long Squash

Last but not least, also known as Dudhi or Lauki, this type of squash is typically around two feet long and is oblong in shape, with a light green or white outer skin. The flesh of the Indian long squash is tender and slightly sweet, making it a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes.

One of the most popular ways to prepare Indian long squash is to make a vegetarian curry or sabzi. The squash is typically peeled and cubed, then cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. It can also be added to soups and stews, or even grated and used in savory pancakes or fritters.

In addition to being delicious, Indian long squash is also incredibly healthy. It is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains high levels of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, which can help boost the immune system and promote heart health.

If you're interested in growing Indian squash in your own garden, it's important to note that these plants require warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. They also need well-drained soil and regular watering. With the right care, however, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and healthy Indian squash all season long.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of unique and flavorful squashes out there that are worth growing and cooking with. From the nutty and buttery red curry squash to the sweet and creamy delicata squash, there is something for everyone. Remember to plant these squashes in April and May for the best results. Whether you decide to roast, bake, stuff, or puree these squashes, they are sure to add a delicious and nutritious twist to your meals. So next time you're looking for a new ingredient to experiment with, consider trying one of these 10 types of squash. Happy gardening and happy cooking!