Yellow Summer Squash (Early Prolific Straightneck)

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty– some have edible flesh and some are too hard or insipid to eat, though the seeds of all are edible. Has a harder, thicker stem compared to other species.

Color: Black, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Early Prolific Straightneck keeps best stored unwashed in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 4-7 days. For counter storage, use within 2-3 days and keep in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Don't store in plastic bags, as trapped moisture promotes rot.

For longer-term preservation, slice into rounds or chunks and blanch for 3 minutes before freezing in airtight containers – this maintains texture better than freezing raw. Grated raw squash freezes well for use in baked goods like muffins or bread. You can also pickle sliced yellow squash using standard cucumber pickling recipes, or dehydrate thin slices at 125°F until crisp for healthy chips. Pressure canning cubed squash is another option, though the texture becomes softer and works best in soups or casseroles.