Boy squash:
Girl squash:
There are more complicated ways to tell the difference, but on the vine, it’s easiest to remember that no matter how small the blossom, a female squash blossom always has a micro-version of the eventual squash. (This is a butternut – you can tell from the shape.) No baby squash = male blossom. The males generally bloom first.
Leasmom said,
September 18, 2008 at 9:35 am
oh my god. I didn’t know there was a sex to squash. Now I’ve got to run out and look at my winter squash that’s creeping out in all directions.
Liss said,
September 18, 2008 at 10:24 am
Squash blossoms are awesome. Here’s why:
http://www.recipezaar.com/236801
I will note, goat cheese or sheep’s milk cheese is even tastier. I’m not sure the beer is strictly necessary. A light drizzle of honey over these when they’re done and OH MY GODS.
Leasmom said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I have the female ends that haven’t grown into baby squashes like yours yet, but I guess that’s just a matter of time. Thanks for the info!!!
Buttercup said,
October 2, 2008 at 11:46 am
Of course, you want to leave the female blossoms alone so they can grow into squash, and pick the male blossoms to eat – but better leave a few!
As Emily says, early in the season it seems most of the blossoms are male, so that’s a good time to eat them.