A summer squash is a type of squash that is harvested when immature and thin-skinned. Summer squash varieties include straight-necked and crookneck yellow squashes, zucchini and pattypan (or scallop) squash.

Summer squash is actually a fruit that passes for a vegetable (like a tomato, reproductive seeds are embedded in its flesh).

Thin-skinned summer squashes don't need to be peeled, cook quickly and don't last long -- unlike their heartier winter squash relatives.