Eat Local: Summer Squash
People and their communities can benefit from buying local food—it is often fresher than food that has traveled long distances, and it boosts the local economy. Choosing local foods also protects natural resources, such as wildlife, water, and green space.
Florida residents can choose from a variety of in-season produce grown in or near their communities. While its name may imply differently, summer squash is available starting in September until June. Both zucchini and yellow squash are two varieties of summer squash grown in Florida.
Most of Florida’s zucchini are grown in north central Florida, and Florida’s yellow squash are grown in west central and south Florida.
Nutritional Facts
In addition to being naturally free of fat and cholesterol, Florida summer squash have many other nutritional benefits.
- Summer squash are high in vitamin C, and they serve as a good source of vitamin B6.
- When unpeeled, summer squash can also be high in vitamin A.
- Florida summer squash supply folate, which creates red blood cells.
- These fruit also supply potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
How to Select Florida Summer Squash
When buying summer squash, you should choose dark green, slim zucchini or bright yellow squash. While both summer squashes should have a cylinder shape, the yellow squash can have a bottle shape as well.
Besides its shape, buy a squash that feels heavy for its size and both firm and tender without any soft spots.
Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for more information on local food in your area.
Adapted and excerpted from:
C. Peñuela, “Florida Fresh: Summer Squash” (FCS8880), UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (rev. 09/2012).
“Local Foods,” UF/IFAS Extension (03/2013).
Related Sites & Articles
- Hot Topics
- Community Supported Agriculture
- Starting a Farmers Market
- UF/IFAS Sites
- Local Food
- Other Sites & Publications
- Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food–USDA
- Local Food Resources–ATTRA
- Local and Regional Food Systems–ATTRA
