This fun vegetable is called Pattypan squash or Scallop squash, which is a type of summer squash. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and manganese and a good source of magnesium, Vitamin A, B vitamins, fiber, potassium, and phosphorus. It provides nutrients that may help combat inflammation and aide in disease prevention. If you are looking to add more variety to your typical vegetables this is the perfect one to start with. It has a fun look so kids will be interested and its flesh is just slightly sweeter than a regular zucchini so it is still a familiar taste.
How to Purchase: Pattypan comes in yellow, green, and white varieties. They become more firm as they ripen, similar to winter squashes, so they are best harvested and eaten when they are young and tender. Look for squash that is about 2-3 inches in diameter.They should have brightly-colored skins that do not have spots or bruises. After purchasing, they can go bad quickly and should be refrigerated for no more than 5 days before you use them.
How to Prepare: Place a whole, washed Pattypan in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 4 to 5 minutes or until just tender pierced with a fork. Pattypans can also be quartered and brushed with olive oil and seasoned with whatever herbs you like and roasted for about 10 minutes. Another option is to sauté until just tender. You can also scoop out the inside and use the outside as a shell to hold things like quinoa or meat.
How to Purchase: Pattypan comes in yellow, green, and white varieties. They become more firm as they ripen, similar to winter squashes, so they are best harvested and eaten when they are young and tender. Look for squash that is about 2-3 inches in diameter.They should have brightly-colored skins that do not have spots or bruises. After purchasing, they can go bad quickly and should be refrigerated for no more than 5 days before you use them.
How to Prepare: Place a whole, washed Pattypan in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 4 to 5 minutes or until just tender pierced with a fork. Pattypans can also be quartered and brushed with olive oil and seasoned with whatever herbs you like and roasted for about 10 minutes. Another option is to sauté until just tender. You can also scoop out the inside and use the outside as a shell to hold things like quinoa or meat.
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