All squashes belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, also known as cucurbits or gourds. These fruits, although often treated as vegetables, are technically classified as fruits. Summer squashes are harvested and consumed while still immature, whereas winter squashes are left to grow to maturity and are eaten when fully ripe. When selecting summer squash, look for firm fruits with taut, unwrinkled skin. Avoid squash that feels slack or rubbery, as it may be past its prime. Opt for smaller or medium-sized squashes, as larger ones tend to have bitter seeds and fibrous flesh.

When it comes to transportation, handle summer squash with care, as their thin and delicate skin can easily be punctured, leading to decay. To maintain the freshness of summer squash, store them in a cool and dry place. Avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them, as moisture can promote decay. Ideally, consume summer squash within five days of purchase, as they can become soft and flabby quickly.

Summer squash is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various ways. There’s no need to peel summer squash, as their thin and tender skin holds much of their nutritional value. Cut and chop the squash according to your recipe’s requirements. Whether you prefer ribbons, wedges, spears, grated, sliced coins, halves, or diced pieces, summer squash adapts to various culinary uses.

Summer squash has a mild flavor, making it highly versatile in recipes. You can substitute different varieties depending on availability. Keep in mind the shape of the squash when swapping varieties, as certain recipes may require specific shapes. Don’t peel summer squash. The skin is thin and tender and holds much of the nutritional value. Cut and chop summer squash into desired shapes such as ribbons, wedges, spears, grated, sliced coins, halves, or diced, depending on your recipe requirements. Different varieties lend themselves better to specific shapes, but there’s flexibility to experiment.

If you have an abundance of summer squash and want to preserve them, freezing is an option. Grated summer squash freezes well and can be used in baked treats. However, slices or chunks may not retain their texture when frozen. They are best suited for casseroles or soups.

Zucchini and summer squash offer a world of flavors, shapes, and culinary possibilities. By understanding the different varieties, proper storage techniques, and versatile cooking methods, you can make the most of these delightful vegetables. Embrace the seasonal abundance of summer squashes and savor their fresh, mild flavors in a variety of dishes.

Peace of mind is not a very easily achievable state. No matter how bad we want it, all negative feelings like sadness, stress, anxiety, anger, irritation, frustration, etc. don’t typically disappear or evaporate quickly. Instead of denying or submitting, practicing mindfulness is an easier and more effective way to heal from these sufferings. Here are a few experts-suggested mindfulness exercises for your ultimate mental and emotional health.

Stillness Exercise

If the word ‘meditation’ intimidates you or leaves you unconvinced, simply switch your concept of ‘mastering meditation’ to ‘practicing stillness.’ You can do it anytime and anywhere if the surrounding is noiseless. It is as simple as focusing on your breath, a happy image in your mind, or a mantra of your choice, for 5 minutes to however long you want to continue. According to therapists and meditation experts, this single-pointed concentration technique settles the mind, while taking note of the inner dialogue.

Candle Study Exercise

This one is a favorite for many. All you have to do is just light your favorite candle, sit in front of it and watch the flame. You will actually find your mind wandering, while the candle flame sways and flickers in front of your eyes. Gaze at the candle for 5-10 minutes, and simply let go of yourself. Observe your thoughts and let them pass without holding on or judging. According to wellness experts, this mindfulness exercise is actually a form of meditation, which can therapeutically soothe your soul and calm your mind.

The Sound Game

This is a great mindfulness activity to do with kids. Tell the little ones to focus on their listening years and ask them to identify 10 sounds that they can hear. You can prompt them by asking questions like, “What are the sounds you can hear inside the room? Can you hear sounds from inside your body? Outside the room? Close or distant?” etc. According to wellness schools, this is a very helpful practice for children, especially when they get overwhelmed or disturbed. It’s a powerful technique to gently shift their attention from something disturbing or frustrating to something more generic and neutral.