What's your favorite/best tasting squash?

[garden5]

It can be summer, winter, or one of each (do specify, though).

I want to try a new (to me) variety, but I can't go by just the packet description. After all, "tastes good" and "good tasting" aren't really that descriptive. Also, I read in the description of one that it was as sweet as a sweet potato, but I later read a review about it and the person said that it was actually kind of bland.

So, what say you? What's the best tasting squash you've grown . Also, on a bit of a side note, has anyone had a good experience growing Argonaut squash (it's like a giant butternut)?

Thanks, all.

[rainbowgardener]

My favorite is the Delicata squash. It's an old heirloom variety that's become popular again. It's sort of between a winter and summer squash. Visually beautiful, yellow with dark stripes. Very tasty, but as the name suggests delicate flavor, creamy, a bit like corn. Thinner skinned than most winter squash, so the skin is edible too. I never planted any, but we got some from the CSA two years ago and last year it came up as a volunteer. This year I will plant some, if I can find the seeds.

Here's a picture (just ignore the pumpkin in the middle, it's just the sign board!)

http://drakreate.net/wordpress1/wp-cont ... squash.jpg

[Marlingardener]

Striata d' Italia is meaty, very few seeds, best harvested at 8" but is still wonderfully delicious at 1' or more. It isn't as prolific as some summer squashes, but two or three hills will give you enough to eat and freeze, and to pass around the neighborhood and make everyone envious. It is light green with ridges, and the huge leaves make a treasure hunt of picking the squash.

[Ozark Lady]

Oh wow! Tough question.
How many of us have tried very many varieties?
I can say... I don't like vegetable spaghetti squash... nor the yellow crookneck squashes.

I do like most all the others. Of the few that I have tried, I preferred zuchini and butternut. I really want to try alot of the others... Need recipes, and ways to prepare them once I grow them though...

I am sort of squash ignorant...maybe how to prepare the squash needs to be another thread... but input would also effect the squash that you enjoy.

[tedln]

Really good question!

I really prefer the taste of all the winter squash like butternut, acorn, and pumpkin. They do have flavors that really stand out. I don't grow them because for me, they are space hogs. I prefer to grow summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash which produce well in smaller, more contained areas. Of the summer squash mentioned, I only grow yellow squash because it has a good flavor which can be presented in casseroles, steamed, fried, or grilled. I only like zucchini grilled. I have also grown luffa which has a good taste when picked less than 16" long. It may be more of a gourd than a squash, but it cooks like a squash. The vines are huge and when fully grown (up to 36") and dried, they make good shower scrubs.

Ted

[jal_ut]

For winter squash, it is hard to beat butternut.

Summer squash, I like yellow crookneck.

[garden5]

Thanks for the opinions, everyone!

RB, I think I'm going to go for some of that delicata. It sounds great and I've even found some bush-form seeds.

It's kind of hard to find the Striata d' Italia, bu I'll see what I can do. I kind of want to make my squash purchase from the same site, so the S&H doesn't "Squash" my budget.

Jal, you've got it right about the butternuts; they're great. If you like butternuts, take a look at this! I want to give one of these a try this year, but will probably have to start it indoors in a large pot about 1-2 months ahead of time.

[Tater]

We found out last year that you can take a butternut poke fork holes in it and it ill cook in 12 minutes in the microwave...not as good as slow in the oven but if your in a hurry...

[jal_ut]

I also like Hubard squash. It is a winter squash. It gets quite large, so you cut one up then go visit all the neighbors. I guess you could cook up the whole thing then freeeze some.

For a small 2 serving winter squash, Table Queen Acorn is good.

[Cagolddigger]

Summer: Love Spaghetti Squash

Fall/Winter: Butternut.

In fact i just had one from my fall garden for dinner tonight. Roasted with olive oil, a splash of balsamic, lemon zest, and basil.

[applestar]

I have also grown luffa which has a good taste when picked less than 16" long. It may be more of a gourd than a squash, but it cooks like a squash. The vines are huge and when fully grown (up to 36") and dried, they make good shower scrubs.

I bought a packet of luffa to grow this year. I saw that they're supposed to be edible young. I guess I'll try eating them too, though I bought it primarily to make the scrubs. I've seen various description for processing the mature gourd... how do YOU do it?

Last year, I tried growing Bush type Delicata with Jade bush beans, and the beans simply overwhelmed the squash, while Kakai unhulled seed pumpkin, that were sowed at the same time, made good it's escape by growing right out of the bed. I'll have to give the Delicata a less hostile environment to grow this year.

I grew Birdhouse gourds last year. This year, I'm going to try growing the Bushel gourd as well as the Luffa, maybe more Birdhouse, too, since I saved so many seeds.

Sorry no squash recommendations from me. Last year's first squash attempt was pretty miserable with only a few harvested from zucchini, yellow crook neck, and none from pattypan. Could not form a taste opinion except that they tasted better than store bought -- but you all knew THAT, right? Hoping for more success this year.

[garden5]

I also like Hubard squash. It is a winter squash. It gets quite large, so you cut one up then go visit all the neighbors. I guess you could cook up the whole thing then freeeze some.

For a small 2 serving winter squash, Table Queen Acorn is good.

I'm thinking about trying some acorn this year, but I'm not sure. They are kind of small, how's the yield?

Also, I've heard of Hubbard (and seen some giant ones) but have never tasted it; how does it compare to butternut?

Lufa, huh; I always thought they came from the ocean! Learn something new every day here . I think that the lufa will have to wait until next year, un less I come across some seeds at the store (I'm not paying the s&h for one packet of seed:))

I'm kicking around spaghetti squash. It's interesting to hear it called a summer squash; I've always heard that it's a winter variety. Perhaps there is an early version, or maybe it is one of those varieties that has an "in between" maturing time.

I'm sorry to hear about your patty pan, Apple. What do you think caused it? I'm planning on growing some this year, does anyone know how they taste?

It's interesting that no one has mentioned pumpkins. The large ones do not taste all that great, but the small ones for pies I'll bet do. Although they are a squash, most people, including myself, tend to put them into their own category.

Tanks for the tips, everyone, and good luck with your squash.

[Sasha]

I really like Lebanese zucchini, though I'm not sure why. I think the flesh is firmer and less watery. And they're cute.

Straight neck and crook neck squash can be a lot of fun:

http://www.diseaseproof.com/uploads/image/VEGGOOSE.JPG

[pondlady]

For wonter squash Ihave to go with Butternut! But for summer squash NOTHING beats the flavor of the Zephyr Hybrid from Gurneys seed. Beats crooks and Zuks hands down.

[applestar]

Straight neck and crook neck squash can be a lot of fun:

http://www.diseaseproof.com/uploads/image/VEGGOOSE.JPG

LOVE IT!! I'll have to work extra hard on the Yellow crook neck this year. You've just earned it an up-grade in planting location.