Differences of zucchini from squash

Differences between squash and squash

Appearance

Squash differs from zucchini in appearance.

The first – have a round and flattened shape, resemble a flower or a plate with corrugated edges (their other name is a plate pumpkin). The second ones are similar in shape to large cucumbers, they are oval and oblong.

Both vegetables are consumed unripe. At this time, squash reach a diameter of 7-15 cm, and the length of zucchini – 10-20 cm, depending on the variety.

Of course, these vegetables grow further, and in overripe form can reach the size of a large pumpkin. But overripe specimens are not suitable for food, except for the preparation of zucchini caviar.

Taste

The taste of zucchini and squash is in many ways similar, but also has its own differences. If the former have a neutral taste, the latter is somewhat specific.

Zucchini easily take on the taste of other products during cooking, so even sweet dishes (stewed fruit, preserves, etc.) are made from them. ).

Such a number does not work with squash – cooked in any form, these vegetables retain spicy notes that are unique to them. In overripe, taste changes for the worse.

In young zucchini, the flesh is more juicy, and it is so tender that sometimes it is added to raw salads. As for the dish-shaped pumpkin, its flesh always requires heat treatment

. Patisson has a dense structure, which in overripe form becomes hard and hard. Some gourmets compare the taste of fried vegetable with the taste of delicious porcini mushrooms.

Agriculture

There is no special difference in the agricultural technique of these vegetables: both plants are capricious, they prefer fertile soil, plenty of light and good moisture.

If the soil temperature has not reached 10-12 ° C – seedlings will not grow. They need to be planted in different places to avoid pollination.

With the seedling method of growing, the fruits reach the desired maturity a week earlier than when planting seeds.

As for the yield – dish-shaped pumpkins (squash) give first place to their oblong relatives.

Caring for vegetables is easy even for a beginner gardener. All they need is moderate watering and top dressing, as well as sunlight. If the plants do not have enough sun, you can pick a few leaves from the bush and provide additional access to light. In addition to shading, these vegetables negatively relate to acidic soils and frosts. They endure short drought persistently.

Storage

In frozen You can store vegetables until spring

Zucchini can be stored fresh or frozen. To store fresh vegetables, they need to be collected fully ripened, leaving a few centimeters of the stalk.

Store them in a well-ventilated cellar – in a cardboard box, on a shelf with hay or suspended in nets. Before sending vegetables for storage, they are not washed, but wiped with a dry cloth.

It is very important to select only healthy fruits, to discard rotten and frozen.

In the basement By all rules, this vegetable can be stored for several months.

An alternative way is to cut it into cubes and put in the freezer. It will remain frozen until spring.

This method is also suitable for squash, which cannot be sent for storage fresh. Of course, its fruit can also be stored in this form, but after a few days it will harden and become inedible.

Calorie content and useful properties

The calorie content of both vegetables depends on the method of preparation .

• Raw or boiled per 100 g: zucchini – 24 kcal, squash – 18-20 kcal.
• Baked, these vegetables contain 30-35 kcal, stew – 40-45 kcal, and in fried – 90-120 kcal.

Both vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they include:

• Iron;
• Magnesium;
• Manganese;
• Zinc;
• Sodium;
• Potassium;
• Phosphorus;
• Molybdenum;
• Vitamins of groups: A, B, C, PP.

Fruits are considered dietary and do not cause allergic reactions. No wonder they are recommended to be used by pregnant women and given to young children during feeding. Both vegetables normalize intestinal function, reduce bad cholesterol, improve vision and activate metabolic processes in the body.

Conclusion

The main differences between zucchini and squash are their appearance, taste and structure of the pulp. Both vegetables have a rich composition, useful properties and low calorie content. Their agricultural technology is simple. and is available even for beginner gardeners.