Squashes, Tender or Summer: Yellow or summer crookneck and yellow or summer straightneck

Yellow or summer crookneck and yellow or summer straightneck are squashes that signify summer in American gardening and cookbooks; so much so that they are known simply as “summer squash.” But where is the crookneck? It has become so rare in the market that I finally settled on a semi-straightneck (in November, from Central America) for a photo. In my experience, warts and crooked necks offer a sweeter, sunnier flavor and a crunchier skin than just about any other summertime squash. The straightnecks that have been selected out from these oldsters seem to be bland in comparison and to have less firm skin and flesh.