06/01/2026
Patty Pan Squash - A Late Spring and Summer Jewel
I guess you could call me a squash-aholic, I love all types of squash. Yellow Summer Squash, Zucchini, Spaghetti Squash, and the wide variety of Winter Squashes. But among my favorites is the Patty Pan Squash.
I was working in the store (Jackson Family Farms) recently and I overheard a couple of
customers inquire as to how to prepare this squash.
I realized then, that this squash is a jewel that's been hidden in plain site for a long time and maybe some background and cooking tips might help relieve the "fear" of buying something unfamiliar. So here goes ...
Patty Pan Squash has been a part of the Americas since before the Europeans arrived. Adopted by early colonists from Native Americans, it has been an East Coast and Southern staple for centuries.
However, for decades it's been found mostly in small farmer's markets and specialty produce stands, as standard Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini became the front runners in major grocery store chains. So the Patty Pan sort of slipped out of our collective memories.
Jackson Family Farms grows Patty Pan Squash and we offer it in our store.
This beautiful squash is slightly more dense than Zucchini, it's slightly "sweeter" than Summer Yellow Squash ... it's nutritious, and it's very versatile as a dinner choice.
The skin is soft and edible as are the seeds, in the smaller sized Patty Pans.
It can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, fried, and even stuffed. If you're new to Patty Pans try cooking it like you do your other Summer Squash varieties. You won't be disappointed.
If you'd like some Patty Pan Squash cooking tips just, "Ask Jack" by sending me a message and I'll be glad to help.
Jackson Family Farms located at 5818 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville has Yellow and Light Green Varieties of Patty Pan Squash available now ... straight from our fields.
Our hours are Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Come by and try this outstanding jewel of a squash today.
