6 Tricks toTake the Bland out of Summer Squash (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to peel a squash? ›

Stand upright and, working from top to bottom, cut off the skin in strips with the knife or peeler, following the shape of the squash. You may take off a bit more flesh with a knife than with a peeler, but the knife will be much faster.

👇🏼 Poke holes all over the squash. Microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes. Once it's cool enough to handle, your knife will slide in more easily and safely.

They can also be difficult to cut, peel, and prep. There's a simple solution likely in your kitchen: the microwave. Whether you're working with a petite honeynut, deep green acorn, or the ubiquitous butternut, the safest and easiest way to break down a squash is to start with a spin in the microwave.

Microwaving the squash will make it much easier to peel. Simply slice off the top and bottom, poke the squash all over with a fork and microwave it on high for about 3 minutes. When it's cool enough to handle, peel the squash. The softened flesh will make peeling (and slicing) way easier.

Large squash will have little taste. Be sure to cut the squash from the vine instead of pulling it so you don't risk pulling out the whole plant. Use a sharp knife and leave about an inch of stem on the squash. Be sure to harvest all squash before the first frost.

Yellow squash does not need to be peeled, because the skin is so tender and thin. If you do prefer to peel your squash, peel it just like you would a carrot or a potato.

What's the problem? Your summer squash is overmature! Pick off those that have turned dark yellow and bumpy, or the plant will stop producing additional fruits. Crook neck squash should be picked when it's still lemon-yellow and the flesh is tender.

While smaller zucchinis have skin that is softer, large zucchinis skin may be tougher (think of it like a pumpkin shell) to protect the flesh for a long time and allow it to continue to grow inside without getting soft quickly.

For picking zucchinis, use a sharp knife, pruners or scissors to cut the stem one or two inches from the fruit. Some growers grab the fruit by the base (where the flower was) and twist it slowly to break it off the plant. With this technique, however, sometimes the stem doesn't give, and the fruit gets broken.

To soften spaghetti squash for cutting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the squash several times with a fork, then microwave it for about 4-5 minutes to soften the skin. Alternatively, place the whole squash in the oven for 10-15 minutes. This makes cutting easier.

Why is my butternut squash so hard to cut? ›

If you find this difficult, either your knife isn't sharp enough and/or you need to press more firmly (and carefully). Next, put the butternut squash on its side. Use the knife to slice off the peel or use a peeler instead. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds; discard.