Pattypan squash (or 'patty pan') is a varietal group of summer squash ('' Cucurbita pepo'') notable for its round and shallow shape, and scalloped edges, somewhat resembling a flying saucer. The name "pattypan" derives from "a pan for baking a patty". Its French name, ''pâtisson'', derives from a

Provençal Provençal may refer to: *Of Provence, a region of France * Provençal dialect, a dialect of the Occitan language, spoken in the southeast of France *''Provençal'', meaning the whole Occitan language *Franco-Provençal language, a distinct Roman ...

word for a cake made in a scalloped mould. The pattypan squash is also known as UFO squash, scallop squash, granny squash, custard squash, ciblème in Cajun French, button squash, scallopini, or simply "squash" in

Australian English Australian English (AusE, AusEng, AuE, AuEng, en-AU) is the set of varieties of the English language native to Australia. It is the country's common language and ''de facto'' national language; while Australia has no official language, Engli ...

, or schwoughksie squash (pronounced "shwooxie squash"), especially if grown in the Poughkeepsie, New York, area. Pattypan squash comes in white, yellow, orange, light green, dark green, and multicolored varieties. The squash is most tender when immature. In fine cuisine, its tender flesh is sometimes scooped out and mixed with flavorings, such as

garlic Garlic (''Allium sativum'') is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus ''Allium''. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, Allium fistulosum, Welsh onion and Allium chinense, Chinese onion. It is native to South A ...

, prior to reinsertion; the scooped-out

husk Husk (or hull) in botany is the outer shell or coating of a seed. In the United States, the term husk often refers to the leafy outer covering of an ear of maize (corn) as it grows on the plant. Literally, a husk or hull includes the protective ...

of a pattypan is also sometimes used as a decorative container for other foods. Pattypan is a good source of magnesium,

niacin Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a form of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient. It can be manufactured by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan. Niacin is obtained in the diet from a variet ...

, and vitamins A and C. One cup contains approximately 20 to 30 calories and no fat. It is often sliced, baked, or coated and fried until golden brown, or simply boiled. In

Polish Polish may refer to: * Anything from or related to Poland, a country in Europe * Polish language * Poles, people from Poland or of Polish descent * Polish chicken *Polish brothers (Mark Polish and Michael Polish, born 1970), American twin screenwr ...

and Ukrainian cuisine, they are pickled in sweet vinegar.

References

Squashes and pumpkins {{Vegetable-stub