Now referred to as soft squash, summer varieties have a soft immature edible skin.

A relatively new, bright yellow zucchini, cylindrical gold bar squash, sometimes spelled goldbar, offers a tender white interior. The waxy, slightly ridged exterior offers a mildly sweet flavor. Measuring an average of seven inches in length and one-and-one-fourth inches in diameter, its contrasting vivid green stem adds a striking visual touch.

Nutritional Value

All squashes provide vitamin A and vitamin C, some of the B vitamins, and are a good source of fiber. Approximately 100 calories are in one cup of cooked squash.

Serving Ideas

Gold bar squash, a soft-skinned, zucchini variety, is versatile and may be used for sweet or savory preparation. Slice and layer with other summer vegetables and bake into a gratin. Saute quickly with garlic and fresh herbs for a simple preparation. Pickle or serve raw in green salads. Serve fresh, very thinly sliced, topped with fresh cheese and herbs. Add sliced squash to pizza and flatbread. Chop, sautee and add to couscous or wild rice. Gold bar squash should be used immediately but will keep for up to a week in cold, dry storage.

Geography/History

A hybrid summer squash and an early straightneck type, this zucchini-type squash grows on a compact upright open plant and is ready for harvest between forty-five and fifty days after blooming. Members of the genus Cucurbita pepo, zucchini squashes especially favor a warm dry climate and not being all that particular, they are eager to grow in most soil types.

Seasons/Availability

Gold bar squash is available year round.