Summer squash are another New World food.  Zucchini which were known as cocozelle in Italy were bred there and brought here by immigrants, where the name migrated to the Tuscan name zucchini in the 1920s. How to Purchase and Store Summer Squash When choosing summer squash, they should feel dense and heavy for their size,...Read More

This is a quick and simple preparation that adds pizzazz to a vegetable that many see as pretty bland. Although marinating is something that is normally associated with meat, many vegetables benefit from marinating as well. Using salt here would result in flabby vegetables, so do not salt until just before grilling. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2...Read More

Although zucchini can be found year-round at grocery stores, summer squash really is a thing of summer. At least, that is when it is at its best here on the central coast of California. The season starts in mid-spring with the advent of squash blossoms, and then the fruits (the actual “squash”) show up in...Read More

This is a dish inspired by the flavors of southern France. The addition of the semi-dry (a.k.a. oil-cured or semi-dry oil cured) olives adds a depth and sweetness to the dish along with a winy/meaty flavor. INGREDIENTS: 1 to 1½ pounds (3-4 cups) summer squash, cut into 3/4 inch pieces 1 medium yellow onion, cut...Read More

This recipe uses the baby squash that can be found at the Borba Farms booth at the Aptos market. These are very small pattypan and zucchini squashes. The little “baby” squash has a bit of bitterness to them and is fairly firm, contrary to what many think. These squash can take more vigorous cooking methods...Read More