Squash
Squash has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. The plant grows up to six feet in height and bears yellow flowers. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to a fruit resembling a small pumpkin.
In culinary terms, squash is treated as a vegetable because it contains nutrients similar to those in potatoes and other vegetables. These include many vitamins and minerals along with beta carotene. However, unlike other vegetables [like tomatoes], which have seeds on the inside, squash has seeds on the outside.
One of the most popular types of squash is zucchini, which can be found in yellow or green varieties. Other commonly known squashes include buttercup, spaghetti, and acorn.
There are several ways to cook squash, ranging from boiling to baking to microwaving. When boiling, the squash should be cut into pieces no more than two inches long. It is then placed in boiling water for about 20 minutes or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
Some who prefer their squash roasted place it on a baking sheet before putting it in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to fifteen minutes. Spaghetti squash can be microwaved until it becomes soft, in about five to eight minutes.
Squash has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. The plant is grown up to six feet in height and bears yellow flowers. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to a fruit resembling a small pumpkin.
In culinary terms, squash is treated as a vegetable because it contains nutrients similar to those in potatoes and other vegetables. These include many vitamins and minerals along with beta carotene. However, unlike other vegetables [like tomatoes], which have seeds on the inside, squash has seeds on the outside.
One of the most popular types of squash is zucchini, which can be found in yellow or green varieties. Other commonly known squashes include buttercup, spaghetti, and acorn. There are several ways to cook squash, ranging from boiling to baking to microwaving. When boiling, the squash should be cut into pieces no more than two inches long. It is then placed in boiling water for about 20 minutes or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
Some who prefer their squash roasted place it on a baking sheet before putting it in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to fifteen minutes. Spaghetti squash can be microwaved until it becomes soft, in about five to eight minutes.
Global squash production
Despite the fact that squash is a popular vegetable worldwide, the majority of squash is produced in just a handful of countries. In 2016, over 80% of the world's squash supply came from just five nations: China, India, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
Not only is squash production highly concentrated geographically, but it is also dominated by a small number of large-scale commercial producers. In the United States, for example, just 10% of squash farms account for over 80% of the country's total squash production.
The concentration of squash production has a number of implications for the global squash market. First, it means that the majority of the world's squash is grown in regions with similar climatic conditions. This makes the squash market relatively insensitive to changes in weather or climate.
Second, the concentration of production makes the squash market more susceptible to disease outbreaks. If a disease affects a major squash-producing region, it can have a significant impact on the global squash supply and prices.
Finally, the concentration of squash production makes the vegetable relatively easy to transport and store. This is because squash can be shipped long distances without spoiling. As a result, squash is one of the few vegetables that are widely available year-round.