The thought of a summer garden brings instantly to mind more than one vegetable.

Probably at the top of the list is the wonderful tomato which takes us through the heat of summer, only taking a break when the temps become extreme.  Tying for second place for me would be the cucumber and summer squash.  Old fashioned yellow crookneck is my longtime favorite.  I’ll be just as happy, though, with a basket of yellow straight neck or zucchini.  Farmers markets and health food stores usually feature locally-sourced produce.  You will probably find an extensive selection of heirloom squashes that are mighty tasty, and also offer a variety of color patterns on their skins. 

Summer squash is so versatile. 

Eat it raw in salads or with dips.  Stew for long periods with other ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers and onions.  They can be skewered and grilled, or worked up nicely in a stir-fry with a selection of Asian vegetables.  Summer squash is so prolific when climate and rainfall cooperate with the gardener’s efforts.  I’ve been told of people in small towns where locking the car and house is not common practice.  However, it becomes routine when squash is ripening quicker than people can eat it up or put it up.  After the freezer is full and the pantry can hold no more jars of pickled squash, neighbors lock their cars and screen doors to utility porches so their well-meaning friends cannot secretly unload any more squash on them. 

When faced with too many from a bumper crop, I stew them with tomatoes, onions and sweet peppers.

This I put up in the freezer. These containers of stewed vegetables come in handy at later dates for soups, stews, beans and spaghetti sauce. 

Summer squash are perfect for pickling. 

I’ve even heard of people who cook and mince them up to mix in with Fido’s canned dog food and kibble.  This just shows how versatile the squash can be.  Or, how creative people can get when faced with a surplus. 

Let’s eat this wonderful vegetable fresh while we are able, before the pumpkins and winter squashes come to market.

Here are some recipes to help with the feast.  Maybe a late summer squash-tasting might bring the neighborhood together for a cookout.  Enjoy with the other fleeting moments of the summer garden, and look forward to next year’s crop.