Turtle Box Blog

But what is pattypan squash?

This week, if you received the Weekly Pick box, you received an order of Pattypan Squash in there. This might be a vegetable you haven't seen before, or don't see often, so we wanted to share a little bit more about this delicious little  squash. When you think of summer squash, zucchini or yellow squash is what probably comes to mind. There are actually a variety of squash that grow in the summer, and more that grow in the winter. 

Pattypan squash are little veggies shaped like flying saucers, and it has been known to go by various aliases including sunburst squash, white squash, scallopini or button squash. These little guys are known for their small size and strange shape. The skin can vary from bright green to yellow, and it is slightly denser and sweeter than zucchini. 

When searching for the best Pattypan, look for the smaller ones, 2-3 inches in diameter, that are heavy for their size. The larger ones tend to be more fibrous. The smaller pattypans have fewer seeds and can be easier to cook. Go for those with brightly-colored skins that are free from spots and bruises. Keep in mind that any small punctures will lead to decay fairly quickly. Unlike winter varieties, summer squashes are very perishable and should be refrigerated for no more than 5 days before you use them. The smaller the squash, the sooner it should be used.

Pattypan can be prepared in a variety of ways including steaming, baking, sautéing and deep-frying. Generally, anywhere you would use a zuchinni, a pattypan will do.