In warm weather and with adequate water, summer squash and zucchini double in size in a day or two, so âwhen in doubt, cut it outâ. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully. An untraditional Mexican dish inspired by the fall vegetable harvest, this casserole gets raves at potluck dinners! No peeling required. The size of summer squash when it is ready to be picked is around 6 inches long or wide, if it is the patty pan variety. As a main dish, this serves 6-8. The fruit, green until now, becomes uniformly orange when it is fully ripe. The main squash variety used in Mexican dishes is Tatuma. It is easy to determine when a pumpkin is ripe. The ingredients listed are for the lighter version of the meal. As a side dish, it easily serves 12. Toxic Squash Syndrome: Hereâs What To Know And How To Avoid It There can be some nasty symptoms from eating bad zucchini, cucumbers and other veggies in this group! Applications Ideal choice for stir-fries. Vines produce an abundance of squash which should be harvested when tennis ball size. Cut the gourds from the stem prior to freezing temperatures, as the cold can ruin their skin.Even a light frost can alter the color of hard-skinned gourds and affect their ability to dry. Mexican Squash is available June to October. Determining Pumpkin Ripeness. When to Harvest Summer Squash. It is a type of summer squash which is round and greenish. Summer squash is edible as soon as the skin is glossy and can be pierced with a thumbnail. Come fall, your squash options can get a little overwhelming. The secret to long-lasting fall produce lies in proper harvest. So here's a comprehensive breakdown of some of the most popular and versatile squash around. Harvesting & Curing Winter Squash. Donât harvest too early! Harvest summer squash while small, before their skins harden and their cores get pithy and full of seeds. HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. 45 days â 'Tatume', also known as 'Tatuma' and 'Calabacita', is a vining plant that is a popular staple in Southwestern and Mexican cooking. Summer squash is typically ready within a week after flowering. Zucchini should be harvested at 6-8" (15-20cm), pattypans at 2-3" (5-8cm) across. When seeding squash, plant seeds about 1 inch deep. Sun cure by exposing fruits for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping squash at 80-85°F/27-29°C with good air ventilation. Underripe squash will be less flavorful and wonât store as well. So, if you can, wait and watch for these signs: vines are wilted/dry; rind has toughened (your fingernail shouldnât leave a dent) stem is dry; Harvest before hard frost as frost damage will shorten long term storage. Ethnic/Cultural Info Calabacitas is a favorite dish in Mexico made with Mexican squash, cheese, onion and fresh garden tomatoes. Unlike other squash varieties that are categorized as either a summer or a winter squash , 'Tatume' is a rare variety that can be used as either. Summer Squash. This means harvesting your squash, pumpkins, and gourds at the right time and using the right methods. Pick summer squash, such as zucchini or yellow crookneck, before it is fully mature. Summer squash is ready for harvest when it is about 6 inches long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The best time when to harvest squash of these varieties is while they are still small. Beyond this size, summer squash begins to develop a think skin and becomes bitter. Harvest summer squash when the skin is glossy and soft enough to be easily pierced with your thumbnail. Geography/History Gourds are ready for harvest when the stems dry out and turn brown on the vine. Harvest summer squash young and tender. Harvest zucchini, crookneck, and yellow squash when they are 6 to 8 inches long. It is very tasty and preferred to the common yellow and zucchini types of summer squash. When to Harvest and Dry Ornamental Gourds . Add to roasted, sautéed or grilled vegetable medleys. Avoid waiting until summer squash is large and fully mature. The flavor is not the best for cooking. It is a terrific accompaniment to Recipe #336333.