A Comparison of Summer Squash and Winter Squash

Abstract

This research paper aims to provide a comparison between summer and winter squash. Moreover, it also discusses its background and tries to explore if it is a climacteric fruit or not.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion4

Background4

Summer Squash4

Winter Squash5

Comparison between Winter and Summer Squash5

Is Squash a Climacteric Fruit?6

References7

A Comparison of Summer Squash and Winter Squash

Introduction

Although majority of people make out squash with vegetables, from botanical view point, they are well thought-out as fruit since it holds the seeds of the plant. Squash is a part of the gourd family. The harvested fruit is broken into two categories: summer squash and winter squash. These two categories differ in when the squash is harvested, the physical characteristics of the squash, how the squash is prepared and how long the squash can be stored.

Discussion

Background

Together with beans and corns, Squash are said to have originated in Central America and Mexico where they were first consumed around seven thousand years ago. The American Indians shared a number of squash varieties with the European colonizers, who carried the seeds of this fruit to their countries. At present, squash and pumpkin are grown all over the globe, and are wildly famous in several European countries (Golan & Sadovsky, 1977).

Summer Squash

Generally summer squash are split into four groups; zucchini (yellow and green), crookneck, scallop (pattypan) and straightneck. They have soft seeds and contain edible and thin skins. Also, they are very rich in niacin and vitamins A and C. The soft flesh has a rich water content, mild and sweet flavor, and needs a bit of cooking.

Winter Squash

In spite of their name, winter squash are actually a crop of warm weather, but got this name due to the fact that they can be stocked up through the winter. Winter squash is also divided into ...