I was having an e-mail discussion with fellow gardener, Sherman Shifflett, about squash. He said one of his favorite dishes was Squash, Potatoes and Onions, fried together. I have enjoyed Fried Squash and Onions and Fried Potatoes and Onions, but not all three together. I intend to try it soon
Sherman also mentioned that his dad grew a small, white squash called Patty Pan Squash. My Dad did too, not the smaller Patty Pans, but the larger white summer squash. We just called it white squash. Sherman and I both agreed that – no matter the name – white squash is good.
Patty Pan is a variety of white summer squash. It look like a small flying saucer with scalloped edges. The name is derived because the squash resembles an antique scalloped pie pan. The smallish squash comes in yellow and green in addition to the white variety. It usually grows no larger than about 3 inches across. The larger white summer squash grows to 5 or 6 inches and if you’re not careful, it can grow to a foot or more in width.
Summer squashes are very efficient for the backyard gardener because they take up far less space than vine-like plants such as pumpkins and winter squash. Plus, the more you pick, the more they grow.
White squash? I think I’ll plant a hill or two this summer.