Curious crooknecks

Credit: Flickr / beck

Meet old-fashioned yellow crookneck, cousin of zucchini

Delicate and buttery-tasting, this summer squash grows prolifically from a May sowing.

Keep crooknecks producing by watering well; harvest regularly at 15 cm (6 in.) or less. Steamed, stir-fried or bathed in a light cream sauce, sprinkled with torn basil leaves – divine.

For bird-like autumn decor, let the last few remain on the vine until skin gets warty. When you’ve finished using them as decorations, save the seeds to plant next year.