Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Crookneck squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a type of summer squash in the Cucurbitaceae family known for its medium size and smooth, bright yellow skin. Crookneck squash has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor. This fruit can be used in soups and stews in a variety of ways from serving it raw to boiled or steamed. Because of its irregular shape, it is often tricky to bake. Sometimes the skin has a bumpy feel to it, which develops naturally the longer the fruit remains on the vine.
Crookneck squashes contain high amounts of vitamin C (32% daily value [DV]). Vitamin C is an important vitamin for the immune system. Vitamin C may have antioxidant properties as well. Vitamin C is also a major component of collagen. Collagen is responsible for healthy and elastic skin.
Crookneck squash also has a moderate amount of vitamin B6 (6% DV). Vitamin B6 plays a critical role in protein metabolism. This vitamin is necessary for normal brain volume development and for keeping the nervous and immune system healthy. Crookneck squash also contains manganese (9% DV). When combined with other nutrients, manganese improves bone density.