Refrigerating summer squash is the easiest and most common way to store them for short-term use. You can store summer squash in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Simply wash and dry them, and place them in a perforated plastic bag or a crisper drawer. Avoid storing summer squash near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, tomatoes, and melons, as they can speed up the ripening and spoilage of summer squash.

• Freezing: Freezing summer squash is a good way to store them for long-term use. You can freeze summer squash for up to a year. To freeze summer squash, wash and dry them, peel and slice or cube them, and blanch them in boiling water for three minutes, then cool them in ice water for another three minutes. Drain and pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some headspace. Frozen summer squash can be used in soups, casseroles, or baked goods.
• Pickling: Pickling summer squash is a tasty and shelf-stable way to store them for longer periods. You can pickle summer squash for up to a year. To pickle summer squash, wash and dry them, cut them into slices or spears, and pack them into sterilized jars. Pour hot brine over them, leaving some headspace, and seal the jars. Refrigerate them for at least a week before eating, or process them in a water bath canner for longer shelf life.
• Dehydrating: Dehydrating summer squash is a simple and space-saving way to store them without refrigeration or freezing. You can dehydrate summer squash for up to a year. To dehydrate summer squash, wash and dry them, slice them thinly, and arrange them on a baking sheet or a dehydrator tray. Sprinkle some salt or seasonings of your choice, and dry them in the oven, the dehydrator, or the sun, until crisp and brittle. Dehydrated summer squash can be eaten as snacks, or rehydrated and used in recipes.

Summer squash can be cooked in various ways, such as roasting, sautéing, baking, grilling, microwaving, or eating raw. Cooking summer squash can change its flavor and texture, making it more savory and soft. Here are some of the best methods for cooking summer squash:

• Roasting: Roasting summer squash in the oven brings out its natural sweetness and caramelization. You can roast whole or sliced summer squash with some oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, and enjoy them as a side dish or a snack.
• Sautéing: Sautéing summer squash in a skillet over medium-high heat creates a quick and easy dish that can be seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, or sesame oil. You can sauté chopped or minced summer squash with some oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite vegetables, meat, tofu, or noodles.
• Baking: Baking summer squash in a casserole dish or a pie pan makes a delicious and filling meal that can be mixed with cheese, eggs, cream, or bread crumbs. You can bake sliced or grated summer squash with some butter, milk, cheese, and seasonings, and top it with more cheese or bread crumbs.
• Grilling: Grilling summer squash on a barbecue or a grill pan adds a smoky and charred flavor to them. You can grill whole or halved summer squash with some oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and serve them with a yogurt or sour cream dip.
• Eating raw: Eating raw summer squash is a refreshing and crunchy way to enjoy them without any cooking. You can eat raw summer squash as an addition to crudités trays and salads, or dip them in hummus, ranch dressing, or salsa.

Summer squash is very versatile and can pair well with many different flavors, from sweet to spicy, from fresh to creamy. Here are some of the most popular flavor pairings for summer squash:

• Basil: Basil is a fresh and fragrant herb that balances the pungency and bite of summer squash. They are often used together in salads, soups, dips, or sandwiches.
• Cheese: Cheese is a creamy and tangy ingredient that adds texture and umami to summer squash. They are often used together in casseroles, pies, or gratins.
• Lemon: Lemon is a sour and acidic ingredient that adds brightness and flavor to summer squash. They are often used together in marinades, dressings, or sauces.
• Garlic: Garlic is a pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances the savory and sweet taste of summer squash. They are often used together in sautés, roasts, or stir-fries.
• Tomato: Tomato is a juicy and sweet ingredient that complements the mild and watery flavor of summer squash. They are often used together in soups, stews, or salads.