Baby Button Squash

One of the stallholders at the Capital Region Farmer's Markets in Canberra sells the most amazing baby button squash, alongside his strawberries and broad beans. Button squash is sometimes seen as a boring little curcubit, a has-been in the world of vegetable trends, but this is not so at our place.

The best ones are home grown or bought direct from the grower at your local farmer's markets. If you're wanting to grow button squash, just bear in mind that they need warm soil and plenty of sunshine. Plant them in raised beds that has rich soil laden with plenty of organic matter. Water well, particularly during Summer.

When it comes to cooking these beauties, very little work is required. You can leave button squash whole, or cut them in half or slice them into delicate chunks. Then simply boil, steam or microwave until just tender, literally just a few minutes, no more. Drain, serve with a squeeze of lemon juice, a little dot of butter and some salt and pepper to taste. For a side serving of daily goodness, add some home-grown baby carrots, peas and baby asparagus.

All together now... 1, 2, 3

Steamed baby vegetables: a side-serving of daily goodness