Pattypan

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small, round, and shallow summer squash with scalloped edges resembling a flying saucer; often used in cooking for its tender flesh and mild flavor; cultivated as an edible vegetable
2. A type of early-season squash characterized by a flat, disk-like shape with a scalloped rim; prized for its delicate texture and sweet taste; commonly harvested before full maturity to be eaten as a vegetable
3. A variety of summer squash notable for its distinctively flattened and fluted shape; harvested young for culinary purposes where it is enjoyed for its soft consistency and subtle flavor; grown widely in home gardens and farms alike

Etymology: Pattypan is a compound of "patty" and "pan," and the pan half is the clue to its shape. The squash is named for the small, shallow pie tin it resembles: a flattened disc with scalloped, fluted edges, like the crimped rim of a pastry shell. The word "patty" here refers to a small, round, flat cake or pie, and "pan" is the familiar cooking vessel. Put together, the name describes the fruit's form in plain terms, which is why gardeners and cooks can recognize the squash at a glance even without knowing the name. Harvested young, when the skin is tender and the flesh is still firm and mild, the squash is usually cooked quickly by sautéing, grilling, or roasting, and its scalloped outline holds up well in those methods.

Synonyms: scallop squash, sunburst squash, custard squash, patty pan