Summer Squash (Crookneck & Straightneck)

Crookneck and straightneck squash are classic American summer squash varieties, distinguished by their bright yellow skin and slightly warty or bumpy texture. Crookneck varieties have a curved, swan-like neck, while straightneck types are more uniformly cylindrical. Both have mild, slightly buttery flesh.

These varieties are less common in Australian supermarkets than zucchini but are well worth seeking out at farmers’ markets and specialty greengrocers. They’re popular in the southern United States, where they’re traditionally sliced and fried, baked into casseroles, or simmered with onions and butter.

In the kitchen, crookneck and straightneck squash can be used anywhere you’d use zucchini. They’re excellent sliced lengthways and grilled, sautéed in olive oil with garlic, or diced into pasta sauces. Their yellow colour adds visual contrast to mixed vegetable dishes.