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Pattypan squash, also known as star-shaped pumpkins, are a versatile vegetable with a special shape that is becoming increasingly popular in Hungarian cuisine. Below we present this tasty and healthy vegetable in detail and give you useful tips for buying, storing and using it.
What do you need to know about the pattypan squash?
Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. patissoniana) is a member of the pumpkin family and is easily recognised by its distinctive star-shaped form. Its colour is usually white, but there are also yellow and green varieties. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of dishes.
It is originated in Central America and was brought to Europe by European explorers, where it quickly became popular for its unique shape and flavour.
From a health point of view, pattypan squash is a low-calorie, high water and fibre vegetable, rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. These substances support the immune system, vision, bone health and metabolism.
Specificities of its production
Pattypan squash is a thermophilic plant, mainly grown in the open air in Hungary. Sowing is usually done in May, when the danger of frost has passed, and harvesting takes place from July to September.
In Hungary, the cultivation of pattypan squash is mainly found in the Southern Great Plain region, but to a lesser extent in other parts of the country. In addition to domestic production, there are also imports of patissone, mainly from Spain and Italy, especially in the off-season.
How to choose a good quality pattypan squash?
When buying, you should consider the following points:
- Colour: Ripe patissons are brightly coloured, whether white, yellow or green.
- Texture: fresh patissons are firm to the touch, with a smooth and shiny skin.
- Size: smaller specimens, 10-15 cm in diameter, are usually more tender and tastier.
- Damage: avoid soft, stained or damaged pieces.
How to use pattypan squash in the kitchen?
Pattypan squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a base for many dishes:
- Breaded: the most popular way to prepare it, breaded and fried in oil.
- Stuffed: after removing the core, it can be stuffed with minced meat, vegetables or cheese.
- Grilled or grilled: sliced and seasoned, it is an excellent side dish.
- For stews or soups: diced, combined with other vegetables.
- In salad: can be eaten raw, cut into thin slices.
- As a pickle: pickled in vinegar, it can be kept for winter.
How to store after purchase?
Store the patissons in the vegetable compartment of the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The more tender specimens should be used as soon as possible, while the more mature, thicker-skinned specimens will keep longer. If stored as pickles, they will keep their quality for months.
Interesting facts about pattypan squash
- Shape: the star shape of the pattypan squash makes it a decorative element.
- Flower: The flower of the pattypan squash is also edible, and can be eaten in salads or stuffed.
- Seed: Toasted pattypan squash seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack.
- Diet food: Low in calories, it is an excellent choice for dieters.
Tips for using patissone in the kitchen
- Seasoning: because of its mild flavour, feel free to experiment with different spices such as garlic, basil or rosemary.
- Preparation: it is not necessary to peel the tender pattypan squashes, while the more mature ones should be peeled and the seed coat removed.
- Cooking time: the pattypan squash softens quickly, so when cooking it, be careful not to overcook it.
- Combinations: goes well with other vegetables such as courgettes, aubergines or tomatoes.
Pattypan squashes are a versatile, healthy and tasty vegetable that can enrich our meals in many ways. It is worth incorporating it into your daily diet and experimenting with it in the kitchen.