Squash Goals: A Guide to Our Favorite Summer Varieties

We understand that summer in the Pacific Northwest can feel like a beautiful, chaotic race. Between the long-awaited sunshine and the sudden explosion of produce at our local markets, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. We’ve all been there: you head to the market with the best intentions, and before you know it, your kitchen counter is buried under a mountain of summer squash.

We know that you want to feed your family fresh, seasonal meals, but sometimes the sheer volume of "zucchini season" can feel like more of a chore than a celebration. Whether you’re staring at a giant zucchini the size of a baseball bat or wondering what on earth to do with those cute little patty pans, we are here to help! We love to share our passion for Southern ingredients, and there’s nothing more Southern than a table filled with perfectly prepared summer squash.

At Anita & Joe’s, we’re happy to take the guesswork out of your seasonal cooking. We want to help you master the "Squash Goals" of the season so you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying those long summer evenings.

Meet the Summer Squash Squad

When we talk about summer squash, we aren’t just talking about one vegetable. We’re talking about a whole family of vibrant, tender, and versatile favorites that we love to use in our summer menus. Here in the PNW, we’re lucky to have access to some of the best varieties right at our fingertips.

The Classic Zucchini

We’re all familiar with the zucchini. It’s the reliable workhorse of the summer garden. Dark green, sleek, and mild, it’s the perfect canvas for almost any flavor. We love to use zucchini in everything from savory fritters to moist chocolate bread. Because it has a high water content, it’s incredibly refreshing when eaten raw in ribbons, but it also takes on a wonderful char when we toss it on the grill.

The Southern Darling: Yellow Crookneck

If you’ve ever sat down at a Southern dinner table in July, you’ve probably seen the yellow crookneck squash. This is a true favorite for us! You can recognize it by its bright yellow skin and its signature curved neck. It often has a slightly bumpy texture, which we think adds a beautiful, rustic charm to any dish. Crooknecks tend to have a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor than zucchini, making them the absolute star of a traditional Southern squash casserole.

The Elegant Patty Pan

Patty pans are the gems of the squash world. They look like little flying saucers with scalloped edges, and they come in shades of white, yellow, and even variegated green. We love to work with patty pans because they have a firmer, more "meaty" texture than their cousins. They don't get mushy as easily, which makes them perfect for roasting whole or stuffing with savory fillings. If you’re looking to impress guests at an intimate dinner, patty pans are always a conversation starter!

How to Pick the Best Squash (The "Smaller is Better" Rule)

We understand that it’s tempting to grab the biggest squash in the bin. It feels like a better value, doesn't it? However, we’ve learned through years of culinary experience that when it comes to summer squash, bigger is definitely not better.

We want to save you from the disappointment of a woody, flavorless meal. Here is why we always reach for the smaller varieties:

• Tender Texture: Smaller squash haven't had time to develop tough, fibrous skins or large, bitter seeds. When they’re young, the skin is so thin you don't even need to peel it!

• Concentrated Flavor: As squash grow larger, they mostly just fill up with water. A smaller squash has a more concentrated, sweet flavor that really shines in your cooking.

• Easier Prep: Smaller squash are easier to slice, dice, and sauté. You won't have to spend time scooping out giant seeds or wrestling with a tough exterior.

Our Pro Tips for Picking:

• For Zucchini and Crookneck: Look for squash that are about 5 to 7 inches long. If they’re much bigger than that, they’re likely starting to get seedy.

• For Patty Pans: Aim for 2 to 4 inches in diameter. These "baby" sizes are incredibly sweet and tender.

• Check the Skin: We always look for skin that is glossy and bright. If the skin looks dull or has soft spots, it’s past its prime.

• The Thumbnail Test: We love this old-school trick! If you can easily pierce the skin with your thumbnail, it’s fresh and ready to eat.

Storage Secrets: No More Mushy Squash!

We know how frustrating it is to find a bag of slimy, mushy squash at the bottom of your fridge. It’s a waste of money and a waste of beautiful produce! Because summer squash have such high water content and thin skins, they’re quite delicate. We are happy to share our best storage secrets to keep your veggies crisp and delicious for as long as possible.

1. Keep it Dry Moisture is the number one enemy of fresh squash. We recommend that you do not wash your squash until right before you’re ready to cook it. If you wash it and then put it in the fridge, the leftover moisture will lead to rot within days.

2. The Paper Bag Method We love to store our squash in a perforated plastic bag or a loosely closed paper bag. This allows for just enough airflow so the squash can "breathe" without drying out completely. If you use a plastic bag, we suggest tucking a dry paper towel inside to absorb any excess humidity.

3. The Crisper Drawer is Your Friend Your refrigerator’s crisper drawer is designed for exactly this kind of produce. We suggest keeping your squash there, where the temperature and humidity are most stable. When stored this way, your squash should stay fresh for about 4 to 7 days.

4. Handle with Care Summer squash bruises incredibly easily. We always handle them gently and try not to stack heavy items on top of them in the fridge. A bruise today is a soft spot tomorrow!

Why Our Personal Chef Service is a Game Changer for Summer

We understand that even with all the best tips in the world, finding the time to source, prep, and cook all this seasonal goodness is a challenge. Life is busy! We know that families in the Pacific Northwest are juggling work, kids, and outdoor adventures. That’s where our personal chef service comes in to make your life easier.

When you work with us, you don't have to worry about "squash overwhelm." We handle everything from start to finish. We love to visit the Tacoma Proctor Market and other local Seattle farmers markets to hand-pick the smallest, most tender squash for your meals.

Our home chef service is designed to meet you where you're at. We understand that every family has different tastes and dietary needs. We are happy to create custom meal plans that feature the best of the season: whether that’s a light summer squash salad for a hot Tuesday night or a decadent stuffed patty pan dish for a weekend family gathering.

What we do for you:

• Professional Sourcing: We know exactly which farmers have the best crooknecks this week.

• Precision Prep: No more tedious slicing or dicing! We handle all the prep work so your kitchen stays clean and your fridge is stocked with ready-to-eat goodness.

• Expert Cooking: We use traditional Southern techniques to ensure your squash is perfectly seasoned and never mushy.

• Waste Reduction: We buy only what is needed and store it correctly, so you aren't throwing away wilted veggies at the end of the week.

Let’s Create the Summer Event of Your Dreams!

Whether you’re looking for a weekly personal chef service to keep your family fed or you’re planning an elevated summer event, we are here to be your partner. We love to bring the joy of authentic Southern food to the PNW, and nothing says "joy" quite like a perfectly cooked summer harvest.

We believe that food should be a source of connection and comfort, not stress. We’re happy to collaborate with you to create a culinary experience that honors the season and fits your lifestyle perfectly. Let us take care of the "Squash Goals" so you can focus on making memories with the people you love!

Are you ready to bring the flavors of a Southern summer into your home? We would love to hear from you! Reach out today and let's start planning your perfect seasonal menu!