Is Squash a Fruit or Vegetable ... and a Frittata Recipe !

"Squash is a family of plants that comes in several different types. Winter varieties include butternut, acorn, delicata, pumpkin, hubbard, kabocha and spaghetti squashes. Zucchini (courgettes) and yellow squash — either with straight or crooked necks — are considered summer squashes.

However, squash may be confusing to classify. Most kinds of squash are brightly coloured — like fruit — but taste mild or savoury — like vegetables. 

This article tells you whether squash is a fruit or a vegetable.

Botanically, it's a fruit

Fruits contain seeds and develop from the flowers of a plant. On the other hand, vegetables are a plant’s roots, stems or leaves. Not everyone agrees with these botanical definitions, but they’re used widely to distinguish between fruits and vegetables. All types of squash have seeds and come from the flowering part of plants. In fact, edible flowers even grow out of squash and are known as squash blossoms. Therefore, squash is considered a fruit. Squash isn’t the only plant that gets confused for a vegetable. Other fruits frequently called veggies include tomatoes, eggplants (aubergines), avocados and cucumbers. 

Summary Since squash contains seeds and develops from the flower-producing part of a plant, it is botanically a fruit. 

Used as a Vegetable in Cooking 

Most people think of squash as a vegetable because it is usually prepared like one. The culinary definition of a fruit is the sweet and fleshy part of a plant. While some types of squash are mildly sweet, they’re not as sweet as a typical fruit. Instead, squash have a predominantly earthy flavour and are prepared and served as a vegetable — except when some types, like pumpkin, are used in desserts, such as pie. Squash is not usually eaten raw as is fruit, though zucchini (courgette) and yellow summer squash can be. It is often seen as a savoury ingredient and cooked alongside other vegetables. 

Summary Even though squash is botanically a fruit, it is predominantly cooked like a vegetable. 

How To Add it to your Diet

Squash can be eaten in a multitude of ways. The entire squash plant is edible, including the flesh, skin, leaves, flowers and seeds. You can find squash year-round in most grocery stores and farmers markets.

Winter squashes — such as butternut, acorn, hubbard, delicata, and pumpkin — are abundant from early fall (Autumn) through to late spring. They have green, yellow or orange skin and brightly coloured flesh in different shades of yellow and orange. Winter squash is often roasted, boiled or steamed. It is usually served with butter or olive oil and savoury seasonings. You can also add cooked winter squash to salads and soups. Alternatively, try stuffing acorn, delicata or hubbard squashes with meats, beans or other vegetables. The seeds of winter squash can be roasted with oil and salt for a crunchy snack. 

Summer squash, including zucchini (courgette) and crookneck, are typically in season from June through September. These varieties have yellow or green skin with white flesh. Zucchini (courgette) and yellow crookneck squash are usually sautéed, roasted or grilled with olive oil and garlic, or added to sweet breads and muffins. As they can be spiralized, they have also become a popular low-carb substitute for noodles. 

All types of squash are very nutritious and can be a healthy addition to your diet. Winter squashes are typically high in fibre, vitamin A and potassium, while summer squashes are rich in B vitamins and vitamin C. 

Summary Squash is available year-round in most places. Winter squash is often served stuffed with other foods or as an addition to soups and vegetable dishes, whereas summer squash is popular in baked goods and as a low-carb noodle alternative

The Bottom Line 

Botanically speaking, all types of squash are fruits, as they contain seeds and develop from the flower-producing part of a plant. However — despite notable exceptions, such as pumpkin — squashes are not as sweet as other fruits and are usually prepared and served as you would vegetables. Regardless of how you classify it, squash can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your diet."

Words above by Lizzie Streit, please see her full article with all related links here 

Readers - you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas, are within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. 

Talking of squash!
 Have you tried this Frittata with Butternut Squash and Spinach recipe, see it here 

As always thanks for reading. 

All the best Jan