Know your pumpkins from your pattypans.
Squash is classified as a ‘pepo,’ which is a one-celled, many-seeded berry with a hard rind.
Although squash is often referred to as a vegetable, they have seeds and therefore are technically fruits.
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All squashes belong to the gourd family.
The two main of squash are summer and winter, with each having very different characteristics.
Check out our guide to types of squashes and prepare for a bounty.
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Winter squash requires a long growing season, typically harvested anywhere from late summer to early winter.
You’ll find baskets full of these summer squash varieties at your local farmers' market.
Summer squash is harvested before it fully matures, which means its skin is tender and edible.
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Try it in our crowd-pleasingReunion Pea Casserole, or browse some ofour favorite fresh zucchini recipes.
Yellow squash can be straightneck or crookneck, with a slightly hooked neck.
Try it in ourOld-School Squash Casseroleor, if you’re looking for something sweet, ourYellow Squash Bundt Cake.
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Not only is it visually striking, but its tender skin makes it a greatsquash to eat raw.
Try stuffing the mirliton, adding it to stews, or pairing it with seafood like shrimp.
Round zucchini is a fun squash for stuffing with cheese and diced summer tomatoes.
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The squat, flat-bottomed shape makes this heirloom squash variety ideal for stuffing.
Try it in ourStuffed Pattypan Squash with Beef and Feta.
In addition to its praise-worthy nutritional benefits, winter squash also happens to be delicious.
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Acorn Squash
Acorn squash can be recognized for its distinctive dark, ridged exterior and orange interior.
It’s sweet and buttery, making a great simple vegetable side.
Its starchy texture makes it a great, healthier alternative to potatoes.
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Try it in ourWinter Vegetables and GnocchiorSkillet Squash Blossom.
Make spaghetti squash when you’re looking for a healthier, yet still satisfying alternative to pasta.
Delicata Squash
This fancy squash variety is beloved for its stunning green-and-white markings.
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The delicata squash doesn’t need much dressing up.
Try adding it to a light pasta dish.
Its flavor is sweet and mild, making it a great vehicle for meats or cheeses.
Like the pattypan squash, the dumpling squash can be stuffed and baked.
Try stuffing it withground beefor adapting one of our stuffed squash recipes to use this cute squash variety.
It can be cooked and baked or used decoratively.
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But you could also try it in savory dishes like ourPumpkin-and-Winter Squash Gratin.
And be sure toroast those pumpkin seedsfor a healthy fall snack.
It has a tough green rind and orange flesh that bears resemblance to a pumpkin.
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Like the pumpkin, the buttercup squash’s seeds can also be roasted to snack on.
They can grow quite large, weighing 15 pounds or more, and are sometimes sold in segments.
Roast the squash in the oven and then scoop out the flesh for your recipe.
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Try Hubbard squash pureed, mashed, or in a recipe like ourSpicy Blue Hubbard Squash Soup.
Red Kuri Squash
This teardrop-shaped, bold red-orange squash is prized for its nutty flavor.
In fact, “kuri” means chestnut in Japanese and this squash variety originated from Japan.
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It is also delicious stuffed and baked with savory and sweet fruits, nuts, vegetables, and spices.
Using Squash Blossoms
Don’t forget about the flowers.
Squash blossoms grow on both summer and winter squash and make tasty dishes all on their own.
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