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Patty Pan Squash Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to patty pan squash
With its odd, flying-saucer appearance, the patty pan squash stands out among supermarket produce. One taste of this versatile summer squash, and you will wonder how you ever cooked without it. Instacart makes it easy to get patty pans and all your summer vegetables. Use the Instacart app to add patty pans to your cart, and our shoppers will do the rest. In many cases, our shoppers can pick and deliver your order in as little as 2 hours!
About patty pan squash
Patty pan squash is sometimes called scalloped squash, custard squash, sunburst squash, cymling squash, granny squash, or simply patty pans. The name "patty pan" comes from the vegetable's resemblance to a crimped pie pan. These squash are saucer-shaped, similar to a child's toy top, with scalloped edges. Most patty pans are three to four inches in diameter but can be as large as seven inches. Patty pans may be green, yellow, white, or a combination of the three. The flesh is creamy and white with a seed cavity in the center. Patty pans are mild and often compared in flavor to butter or olive oil.
Patty pans are in the same plant family as melons and cucumbers. They were very popular with both the early American colonists and the Native Americans. Patty pans became popular again in the 1980s and are still popular today. Most of the patty pan squash sold in the United States is grown in Central or South America. Although they are available year-round, the peak season for patty pan squash is the warm summer months.
How to pick out patty pan squash
The skin of a patty pan should be tight, smooth, and shiny. Avoid squash with bruises, cuts, or moldy spots. Look for smaller patty pans. Smaller patty pans are generally younger, more tender, and more flavorful. Older (and larger) patty pans are thicker-skinned and drier.
How to prepare patty pan squash
Young patty pans can be prepared just like any other summer squash, such as zucchini. The skin is delicate and doesn't need to be removed before eating, making preparation a snap. Before cooking, wash your patty pans and remove the tough ends. Patty pan squash is versatile because it takes on the flavors of the spices you use in cooking. Young patty pans can be:
- Sliced thinly and added to salads
- Steamed
- Roasted with olive oil or butter
- Sauteed
- Sliced into patties, marinated, and grilled
- Braised
- Baked with spices and cheese
- Combined with vinegar and spices to create a quick pickle
- Added to a stir fry
- Chopped and added to soups or stews
- Pureed and added to sauces or curries
Patty pans pair well with other summer vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, and garlic. Basil, chives, oregano, and parmesan cheese bring out the patty pans' mild olive oil flavors.Â
Large patty pans should be used for stuffing, as their thicker skin and drier flesh make them unacceptable for zucchini-like preparations. To stuff a large patty pan, start by cutting off the bottom to make a flat, stable base. Cut off the stem and use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds. Add your favorite spices and savory stuffing mix and bake. Cheese, meat, and grain stuffing mixtures are delicious with a patty pan.
Patty Pan Squash Near Me
Buy your favorite Patty Pan Squash online with Instacart. Order Patty Pan Squash from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about patty pan squash
Like other summer squash, patty pans will get soft and mushy when they are spoiled. You may also notice black marks or mold on squash that has spoiled. If your patty pan has a few dark spots but is still firm, you can still use it as long as you cut the dark spots out. Do not eat any patty pan that feels slimy or is leaking liquid.
Patty pans have high water content, and a one-cup serving has less than 30 calories. Most of the nutrients in a patty pan are in the skin. Patty pans are high in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, folic acid, and potassium. They also have lots of phytochemicals, coumarins, and flavonoids.
Patty pan squash freezes well. You can prepare your patty pans for freezing with the following steps:
Freeze your patty pans for up to a year. Frozen patty pan squash is an excellent addition to soups, stews, casseroles, and purees.