Region of Origin

Commodity:

Baby Squash

Description & Origin

Summer squash refers to a diverse array of squash cultivars in the species Cucurbita pepo that are harvested when fully-grown but still young, while their skin is still tender and edible (this distinguishes them from pumpkins, which are technically the same species). Baby squash are exactly what they sound like: summer squash varieties harvested when still at the baby stage, usually at 10 centimet...

Health Benefits & Nutrition

Baby squash offers a similar nutritional value as mature squash. It is a source of dietary fiber, magnesium, and vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.

Our Varieties

Squash Baby Pattypan

AKA: Baby Green Summer Squash

Description

Baby pattypan squash is a green-skinned summer squash variety. It is round and squat, shaped like a UFO, with wavy, scalloped edges that give it a very distinctive appearance. Baby pattypan are typically harvested at 1 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. They have a sweet and nutty flavor. The flavorful flesh is often a light golden yellow color.

Variety Tips & Tricks

Baby pattypan is excellent on its own, but is especially fun when included with a mix of baby squash varieties.

Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)

Jan
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GUATEMALA
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
USA (CA)
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair

Squash Baby Sunburst

Description

Baby sunburst squash has a similar appearance to pattypan squash – an adorable UFO-like with wavy ridges along the outer edge – typically harvested at 1 ½ to 3 inches. But sunburst squash has a sunny, glossy yellow color that brightens up any and all dishes. Like pattypan, sunburst have a light golden flesh with a mild, nutty squash flavor. Their vivid color is punctuated by the green stem and circle of green around the blossom end for an even more striking appearance.

Variety Tips & Tricks

The saturated yellow color of baby sunburst has made them the most popular commercially available variety. They can be used on their own, but look especially striking when combined with green baby squash on the plate.

Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
GUATEMALA
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
USA (CA)
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair

Squash Baby Zucchini

AKA: Mini Courgette

Description

Baby zucchini look just like your typically green zucchini in miniature, harvested at an average of just 3 to 4 inches in length. Baby zucchini has a dark green, lightly mottled skin and a tender stem that can be eaten along with the squash itself. The flavor is lightly pepper with complex vegetal notes.

Variety Tips & Tricks

Baby zucchini is both simple to prepare and serve. It can be used whole or halved lengthwise to preserve its charming appearance. Their flavor is actually more complex than their adult counterparts.

Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
GUATEMALA
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
USA (CA)
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair
Fair

Foodservice Tips

Traditional Culinary Uses

Baby squash’s adorable size makes them an excellent choice for upscale plating. Thanks to its tender skin, seedlessness, and sweet flavor, baby squash is ideal for raw applications including crudité or snack boards. They can be cooked in the same ways as fully-grown summer squash, although they can be more delicate and require less cooking time. They are excellent steamed, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. Their petite and consistent size helps make portioning extremely efficient and adds a sense of occasion to a plate. A catering favorite!

Flavor Pairings

Lemon, Garlic, Beans, Corn, Chile Pepper, Sweet Potato, Onion, Basil, Butter, Feta, Chicken, Ham

How to Prepare

Wash baby squash before use. The skin is edible and they do not need to be peeled. Baby squash are most often used whole or halved to preserve their unique appearance.

How to Store in the Kitchen

Baby squash must be kept refrigerated in the original container until immediately before use to maximize shelf life.

Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking

Try pickling baby squash to preserve for later use.

Warehouse Storage & Handling

Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*

IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:

41-50°F

RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:

40-54°F (Cool Storage)

SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:

Yes - storage at temperatures below 41°F may cause chilling injury.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY

95%

PRODUCES ETHYLENE:

No

SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE

Yes- Medium

ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Do not store near ethylene producing items, as it may result in discoloration and reduced shelf life of the squash.

Quality Assessment

Baby squash should be firm with smooth skin. Avoid softness, excessive wrinkling, or spots of decay

Important Handling

Handle baby squash gently and according to guidelines at all times as they can be easily damaged due to their thin skin and tender flesh.

Optimum Shelf Life

Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, baby squash may last up to 5-7 days.