Is Your Yellow Squash Ready to Pick Plus Tasty Recipes to Try
- Cultivate Simple Delights
- May 30
- 4 min read
Imagine transforming your meals with the vibrant taste of freshly picked yellow squash—this garden gem is more than just eye candy it's one of my favorite ingredients to use in the kitchen.
Yellow squash is not just a colorful addition to your garden, but it also packs a punch in flavor and nutrition.
To get the freshest flavor from your yellow squash learn how to harvest at the right time to get the best taste.
In this post, I'll teach you how to know when your squash is ripe and also share a couple of tasty recipe ideas to make with this delightful vegetable.
Signs That Your Yellow Squash is Ready to Harvest
Getting a good harvest all begins with with good pollination.
If your yellow squash is rotting at the blossom end it is likely due to poor pollination.
Simply located your male flowers, which are located on the long stems clip these then hand pollinate the female flowers to increase your chances of success.
Knowing when to harvest your yellow squash is a must if you want to get the most flavor and best texture out of your squash because as the squash matures the seeds will continue to grow and the plant will become more fibrous and bitter.
To enjoy the best tasting squash right from you garden follow these easy tips for harvesting at the right time.
One of the first signs to look for when determining if your squash is read is size.
Your yellow squash should be around 6 to 8 inches long when it's ready to be picked.
Picking at the right size ensures a tender sweet taste that will easily elevate your meals.
The next sign to look for is color.
A vibrant yellow squash without any green patches is a good indication of ripeness.
The skin should feel smooth and shiny showing that it is fresh and ready for your kitchen.
And yes those little spiky hairs are normal just simply wash them away and pluck off the blossom at the base.
You can even use a rag and cold water to avoid skin irritation because these plants can be spiky.
Next check the texture by gently pressing on the skin and it should have a slight give that indicates it's still tender.
Remember personal preference also plays a role as some people do enjoy a smaller tender squash, while others prefer larger ones, which means there is some wiggle room when it comes to harvest time, so don't be afraid to experiment to find what size you like best.
Quick and Easy Recipes for Fresh Yellow Squash
Squash can give you such an abundance of produce from just a few plants that it can be easy to become overwhelmed by too much produce.
I have three squash plants growing in the garden at the moment and from a single harvest I collected 9 yellow squash and still have several more that are almost ready to pick.
So knowing how to cook yellow squash in easy recipes is a great way to lower your food waste if you happen to grow "too" much squash.
Also remember you can always share or donate extra produce and if you do happen to grow too much you can also look into canning methods for preserving your produce, or feed them to your backyard chickens.
Squash also stores very well at least a week before having to use, which is nice because it gives you more opportunities to use this ingredient in a variety of ways.
Easy Yellow Squash Recipes To Make
Sautéed Yellow Squash
For a simple side dish, slice your yellow squash into thin disks this is one of my favorite ways to prepare squash because its quick and easy.
Heat some olive oil in a skillet and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Sauté the squash for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
This quick dish brightens up any meal and takes minimal effort!
Yellow Squash Casserole
A yellow squash casserole makes for a fantastic family meal.
Start by layering thinly sliced squash in a baking dish with your choice of cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
The result is a creamy cheesy delight that even picky eaters will love.
Grilled Yellow Squash
Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor to yellow squash.
Cut your squash into planks, brush them lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill for about 5 minutes on each side until soft and slightly charred.
This dish is perfect for summer barbecues and pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, and shrimp.
Squash and Corn Fritters
For a fun appetizer or snack mix grated yellow squash with fresh corn, flour, eggs, and spices to create a batter.
Use a spoon to drop the mixture into a hot skillet and fry until golden brown.
These fritters are not only tasty, but also a great way to use up your fresh harvest.
How Long Does It Take For Yellow Squash To Grow
Yellow squash is a great summer plant to grow in your garden and knowing when to harvest can make all the difference in the taste.
When cared for properly you can expect to receive an abundance of fresh tender squash that is perfect for sautéing, grilling, and baking to add a fresh Summer taste to your favorite meals.
Making yellow squash a must have in your kitchen garden when your trying to grow garden to table ingredients at home.
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