What’s The Difference Between Yellow Squash And Zucchini? While there are many similarities, there are also several differences. Learn about what they have in common and what makes them unique!
When thinking of yellow squash and zucchini, it is confusing to some because various types look so much alike, yet they are different. Both Yellow Squash and Zucchini are a type of summer squash. Summer squash differs from winter squash in that summer squash is ripe throughout the summer. Summer squash is often picked while the vegetables are young, the skin is soft and can be eaten along with the seeds inside. Winter squash on the other hand, is ripe only after the first frost, and has a tough skin that you do not eat. Winter squash also has large hard seeds that are separated from the delicious squash innards.
What exactly is Yellow Squash?
Yellow squash comes in many different types and varieties today, but several common factors still apply. Yellow squash has a soft yellow skin. It is often ripe during the middle of your gardening season, depending on your location. It has a cream colored inside that is squishy, with small seeds near the center. The shape can either be small with a crocked neck and bumps on the outside, or long and smooth. The long and smooth yellow squash is actually a type of hybrid seed. All types of yellow squash are delicious to eat.
Zucchini is another kind of summer squash. It comes in different varieties, however most of the varieties still look similar. In general, zucchini has a long smooth shape. It’s generally green, although there is a type called the golden zucchini summer squash. It is golden like its name and can easily be mistaken for a yellow squash. The zucchini is picked while the skin is still soft, and the seeds inside are small. It has a cream colored inside with a green skin. There are many different ways zucchini can be eaten, all of them are tasty!
As you may notice from the description and pictures, there are many similarities and differences between the yellow squash and the zucchini. They are both commonly referred to as summer squash because they are a part of the summer squash family. They both have a soft skin, with cream colored inside and small soft seeds. This is true, as long as they are picked when ripe! If they are picked after their prime, this will not be the case and you will find that they are no longer good to eat.
I remember getting creative with the much too ripe squash from our garden when I was a kid! When they grow too big, or they are missed in the harvest, they get large enough to use for a baseball bat! I even remember making boats out of them and setting them to sail in our swimming pool.
Once a zucchini or yellow squash has been picked, it can last for a couple weeks in your fridge. Its peak flavor is however, a week after picking. While some of the yellow squash are smooth and long like the zucchini, there are also other types of yellow squash that are small with a crooked neck. But, both have a similar flavor and texture.
When cooking summer squash, it is okay to substitute one type of squash for the other. I might contend that they are the best when partnered together and fresh from the garden! No matter how you choose to prepare them, yellow squash and zucchini will not disappoint.
Ideas on How to Prepare Summer Squash
- Pan fry together or separate (see instructions below)
- Summer squash soup
- Zucchini bread
- Grilled
- Bake in a Casserole
- Shredded in place of noodles for dishes like spaghetti
- In place of noodles for lasagna
- Even as toy boats!
Recipe of the Day:
Pan fried Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Place a cut up onion in a fry pan with olive oil. Cook until it begins to get tender. Add sliced zucchini and yellow squash together in the frypan with onion and olive oil. Cook over minimum heat until tender. I prefer to leave them in, until they start to turn golden. Remove from heat and serve. Enjoy!
Now that you know What’s The Difference Between Yellow Squash And Zucchini, you should definitely give them both a try! They are the perfect vegetable for any meal.
You should also try this tasty recipe for Peruvian Peanut Potatoes. Also, learn more about What Are The Pros And Cons Of Farmed Fish? What are some more topics that you wish you knew more about? Write to us, and let us know!
