We all love seeing those yellow and orange blossoms on our squash plants. Not all squash blossoms will produce squash however, and here's why. All plants produce both male and female blossoms, and only the female blossom will mature into squash.
{MALE}
{MALE}
{MALE}
The male blossoms are there for fertilization and they can quickly outweigh and outnumber the female blossoms. They grow on long stalks, and there is no sign of a baby squash developing at their base.
{FEMALE}
{FEMALE STARTING TO PRODUCE}
{FEMALE PRODUCING}
{FEMALE BLOSSOM HAS FALLEN OFF}
{FEMALES WITH MATURE SQUASH}
The female blossoms you'll generally find close to the center of the plant, on shorter stalks. Once fertilized they quickly balloon into a small squash and the blossom will fall off of the end.
Did you know that the blossoms of winter and summer squash plants are edible? Well they are. So when you see the male flowers, feel free to pick them. Squash blossoms make a lovely garnish and they are the perfect size for stuffing. The flavor of a squash blossom is cool and crisp, and you may even be able to taste a hint of squash as an undertone in their flavor.
They generally don't store long in the refrigerator, no longer than a day, so pick only when you're ready to use them in your cooking. They are bright and delicate, so when harvesting them choose the ones that look the most fresh, with closed buds.
Add these blossoms to soups, salads and entrees. One full cup of squash blossoms only contains about 5 calories. Don't forget they are high in vitamin A & C. Most would say they are best when stuffed, battered and fried.
Want to try some Squash Blossoms? Check out our board on Pinterest!
