Lemon Drop Squash is a summer squash belonging to the Cucurbita pepo family, which also includes common zucchini and other summer squash varieties. It offers a mild, delicate flavor. Its tender, ivory-white flesh has few seeds, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary preparations.
Cultivating Lemon Drop Squash
Lemon Drop Squash thrives in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny location promotes vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.
The ideal soil for Lemon Drop Squash should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is generally suitable for optimal growth.
Planting should occur after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 65°F (18.3°C). Seeds can be direct-sown about 1 inch deep, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart in rows or planting 3 to 5 seeds in mounds spaced 3 to 6 feet apart, thinning to the strongest seedling once established. Consistent, deep watering is important, especially during flowering and fruiting periods, providing 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Watering at the base of the plant helps prevent powdery mildew by keeping foliage dry.
Initial soil amendments often provide sufficient nutrients, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied monthly during the growing season if soil fertility is low. Monitoring for common squash pests like squash bugs and vine borers is important. Organic prevention methods, such as crop rotation and ensuring good air circulation, can help deter pests and diseases like powdery mildew, which can appear in late summer. Lemon Drop Squash typically grows as a compact, spreading bush, reaching 12 to 16 inches in height and 36 to 40 inches in width, so trellising is not required.
Harvesting and Storing Your Squash
Harvest Lemon Drop Squash when they resemble a small lemon, typically 2 to 5 inches in diameter, and have bright yellow, firm skin. Harvesting frequently, sometimes every few days, encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem, leaving a small piece, 1 to 2 inches, attached to the squash. This practice helps prevent rot and can improve the squash’s short-term storage life. Avoid twisting or pulling the squash directly from the vine, as this can damage the plant.
Freshly harvested Lemon Drop Squash can be stored at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, place them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for up to 10 days. Handle them gently, as their thin skin can bruise easily. For extended preservation, Lemon Drop Squash can be sliced, blanched for three minutes, then cooled and frozen on a flat sheet pan before being transferred to freezer bags.
Culinary Applications and Taste
Lemon Drop Squash has a mild, slightly sweet, and delicate flavor, often described with subtle nutty or vegetal notes. Despite its name and appearance, it does not possess a tart or lemony taste. Its tender texture and creamy, ivory-white flesh make it highly versatile in the kitchen.
Its compact size and tender skin mean it can often be used unpeeled, simplifying preparation. This squash is excellent when roasted, grilled, or sautéed, which highlights its subtle sweetness. It can be a flavorful addition to stir-fries, salads, or served simply as a steamed or baked side dish.
The unique lemon-like shape of Lemon Drop Squash also makes it suitable for stuffing, similar to bell peppers, using various fillings like ground meats, grains, or vegetables. Its adaptability allows it to be substituted in most recipes calling for other summer squash varieties like zucchini.