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Yellow Straightneck squash has thin glossy skin which can vary from a light butter yellow to a bright lemon yellow. Yellow Straightneck squash closely resembles the yellow crookneck squash with a tapering cylinder shape, but unlike the crookneck does not have a curved neck. The skin may be pebbled with bumps or smooth, encasing a paler yellow or white flesh. For best flavor and texture the squash should be harvested when five to six inches in length or less. It offers a classic summer squash flavor; mild with nuances of black pepper and nuts and a slightly buttery flavor when cooked.
Seasons/Availability
Yellow Straightneck squash is available year-round with a peak season in the summer months.
Current Facts
Yellow Straightneck squash is a summer variety of squash and botanically a part of Cucurbita Pepo. Also known as early prolific Straightneck or simply yellow summer squash it is predominately grown and utilized in North America. Similar to the yellow crookneck, it can be harvested when immature at its baby squash stage or left to mature on the vine to a full sized summer squash. Compared to the crookneck squash, the Yellow Straightneck and the green zucchini are more successful in the commercial marketplace as a result of their ease to pack and ship without risk of neck breakage.
Nutritional Value
Yellow Straightneck squash contains carotenoids which gives the squash its signature yellow hue and acts as antioxidants in the human body. Additionally, they contain lutein, which has been shown to aid in healthy eyes and can help prevent buildup of plaque in arteries. The Yellow Crookneck squash is also a source of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, folate, fiber and bio-available copper.
Applications
The Yellow Straightneck is a classic summer squash and can be used both raw and cooked in recipes that call for zucchini or summer squash. When sliced thin it can be layered into lasagna, enchiladas and ratatouille or utilized raw in salads and carpaccio. Grate and add to coleslaw, quick breads and pancakes. Sliced into rounds or lengthwise it can be steamed, grilled, roasted, sautéed or breaded and deep fried. Larger squashes are perfect for halving, hollowing slightly and stuffing with meats, cheeses and starches. Cooked squash can also be pureed to make sauces and soups. Its flavor pairs well with summer vegetables such as tomato, eggplant, corn, shelling beans, peppers, toasted nuts, fresh herbs such as oregano, parsley and basil, roasted chicken, shellfish and cheeses such as ricotta, parmesan and feta. To store, keep Yellow Straightneck squash refrigerated and use within five to seven days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States the Yellow Straightneck squash was selected as a 1938 All American Selections winner. A non-profit organization, All American Selections, has reviewed seed grown vegetables and flowers since 1932 in an effort to introduce new and easy to grow, high quality items to the commercial marketplace.
Geography/History
Yellow Straightneck squash is believed to have come about as an offspring of the yellow crookneck squash. Studies on squash DNA done by Vegetable Crop Research Scientist Dr. Harry Paris indicate that the Straightneck squash was a result of an out-crossing of a cultivator of the crookneck group with a cultivator of the acorn group. The Yellow Straightneck was first introduced in 1938 by Ferry Morse, the oldest seed company in the United States. Prior to the development of the zucchini the Yellow straightneck and crookneck were the two most popular types of summer squash grown in North America. Like many summer squashes the Yellow Straightneck is easy to grow and will be a prolific fruiter provided it is given ample sun exposure and grown in well-drained soil.
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Yellow Straightneck Squash spotted at Whole Foods Market. Throw some Organic Straight Neck Yellow Squash next to roasted eggplant on a sandwich or into your lasagna ;)