This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = squash(GDF v2.0, 3344 attributes, 28 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.0_export_2026-04-06.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Squash |
| Scientific name | Cucurbita pepo |
| Family / Genus | Cucurbitaceae / Cucurbita |
| Produce category | Cucurbit |
| Produce subcategory | Summer Squash |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4067 |
| PLU — organic | 94067 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_7383 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 150.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Crookneck | 28% | Curved neck, bright yellow skin, creamy texture when young, warty surface develops with maturity, most popular summer squash variety in US |
| Zucchini (Black Beauty type) | 25% | Dark green, cylindrical fruit, smooth skin, prolific producer, most widely grown zucchini strain commercially |
| Yellow Straightneck | 18% | Straight cylindrical shape, bright yellow, easier to pack and ship than crookneck, uniform sizing, excellent for commercial production |
| Pattypan (Scallop) | 8% | Disc-shaped with scalloped edges, pale green to yellow-white, mild flavor, decorative appearance, specialty market appeal |
| Cocozelle | 5% | Italian heirloom, dark green with light green stripes, ribbed texture, nutty flavor, growing specialty market presence |
| Eight Ball | 4% | Round dark green zucchini, uniform globe shape, excellent for stuffing, growing market demand, specialty/upscale markets |
| Costata Romanesco | 3.5% | Italian heirloom, light green with darker ribs, nutty flavor, highly sought in specialty markets, superior eating quality |
| Gold Rush | 3% | Yellow zucchini hybrid, cylindrical, bright golden color, disease resistant, excellent shelf life, growing commercial adoption |
| Raven | 2.5% | Dark green zucchini hybrid, very uniform, disease resistant, high yield, extended harvest window, commercial grower favorite |
| Sunburst | 2% | Bright yellow pattypan hybrid, scalloped edges, sweet flavor, attractive presentation, specialty produce markets |
| Spineless Beauty | 1% | Dark green zucchini, reduced or no spines on fruit and plant, easier harvesting, reduced damage during handling |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: 41°F.
- Freezing point: 30.5°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 4 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | moderate |
| Production rate (20°C) | 3.5 µL C2H4/kg·h typical (1–7) |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Sensitivity threshold | 10 ppm |
| Climacteric? | Yes |
Agent note: Summer squash continues to ripen after harvest and produces moderate ethylene. Avoid co-storage with highly sensitive commodities like leafy greens, broccoli, or cucumbers.
Mixed-load compatibility
group_C_chilling_sensitive_moderate_ethylene
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? No
- Light-sensitive? Yes
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Growing demand driven by health-conscious consumers, Mediterranean cuisine popularity, low-carb diet trends (zucchini noodles), and ethnic cuisine expansion; steady 3-4% annual growth in consumption
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.68 |
| Income elasticity | 0.42 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -1.15 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 42% |
| Yellow Crookneck | 22% |
| Yellow Straightneck | 18% |
| Pattypan/Scallop | 8% |
| Other Summer Squash | 10% |
Pack sizes
- 25 lb carton
- 20 lb carton
- 15 lb carton
- 10 lb carton
- 1 1/9 bushel (42 lb)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T22:30:00.000Z.