Pattypan squash

Pâtisson

What it is

Its scalloped edge gave it the French name — a pâtisson is a small fluted pie — and English speakers saw a pattypan tin. Picked at the size of a plum it is tender enough to eat whole; left to grow it turns to a hollow, woody shell.

In the kitchen

Buy them small — no wider than your palm. Anything larger has already turned fibrous.

Goes with

Thyme Olive oil Garlic Basil Butter Lemon Black pepper Parsley

Same species

Butternut squash Courgette flower Kabocha Muscade de Provence squash Red kuri squash Pumpkin

In season alongside

Spaghetti squash Japanese tilefish (amadai) Bettarazuke Brousse du Rove Cévennes sweet onion Chayote

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