Small, spherical Eight Ball Squash are the cutest summer squash a-round. (See what I did there?! Round?? Carrying on … )
Harvested anywhere from tennis ball (or eight ball) size on up to grapefruit, 8 Ball Squash is a type of zucchini that, instead of growing in a cylinder shape, grows plump and round. Smooth, dark green, and lightly speckled, they’re perfect for stuffing, slicing for zucchini pizza bites, or grilling (larger slabs = easier to grill!)
TASTE: Mild, a little buttery, slightly nutty, a little grassy/vegetal
FAVORITE PREPARATIONS: I love these Zucchini Pizza Bites made with the squash! 8-Ball Zucchini also makes a great simple zucchini sauté.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Eight Ball Zucchini (yellow varieties are known as One Ball and paler green as Cue Ball)
Nutrition & Benefits
Like zucchini, 8 Ball Squash is high in Vitamin A and also a good source of Vitamin C, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamin K. (source)
How to Select 8-Ball Squash
Smaller round zucchini will be more tender, but they’re delicious up to grapefruit size too. Look for firm skin without dents or blemishes and squash that are heavy for their size.
How to Cook 8 Ball Zucchini
Most of the time, you can cook it just like you do any zucchini. The best part about Eight Ball Squash is that you can hollow them out and stuff them – so cute.
Favorite Recipes
- Eight Ball Zucchini Pizza Bites take advantage of the larger slabs you can get from Eight Ball Zucchini
- This 8-Ball Squash with an egg baked inside looks like an amazing (and cute!) breakfast.
- This Stuffed Round Zucchini recipe from Running to the Kitchen is the perfect example of the stuffed version.
