Health-conscious eaters are delighted that most types of squash are now available year round.
Squash is high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps the body’s immune system. It is low in calories and high in fiber. Added to that, it is a good source of vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium.
When selecting squash, choose one that is firm and heavy. You are more likely to get your money’s worth because that means it will have more edible flesh. When you get it home, store it in a cool, dry place. The taste and texture will change if stored in the refrigerator.
Types of Squash
Acorn squash is a year-round variety. It can be dark green or orange on the outside. It is a golden color on the inside, meaty, and similar to a pumpkin. It is a sweet tasting vegetable that is delicious flavored with maple syrup, honey, or nutmeg and cinnamon. Acorn squash is good roasted and grilled.
Butternut squash has a long neck with an end shaped like a bulb. Dark orange inside, this squash is also much like a pumpkin. It has a rich flavor for soups and is good mashed. Use it for bread or pie, too. It is a good type of squash to use for making homemade baby food. And don’t throw away the seeds; roast them.
Spaghetti squash is yellow and shaped like a melon. When cooked or roasted, the flesh separates into strands like spaghetti. It is bland tasting by itself, but delicious when used with tomato-based sauces.
Yellow squash and zucchini are considered summer squash, but are available year round. They are one of the types of squash that are good eaten raw in salads and slaws. The skin can be eaten. They are also good in stews and soups. And who doesn’t love a good zucchini bread recipe?
Golden Nugget squash is also called the oriental pumpkin. It looks like a small pumpkin that was flattened a bit because somebody sat on it! It is orange on the inside with a mildly sweet flavor. This kind of squash is good stuffed with rice and turkey or ground beef. It can be used for pies and soup. The seeds are good roasted. Choose one with a dull finish which indicates maturity and flavor.
Kabocha squash gets it’s name from the Japanese word for pumpkin. It has a green shell with light speckles. It is one of the sweeter types of squash and is a good choice for making soup, pies and cakes. The skin can be eaten as it turns soft when cooked.
Sweet dumpling squash is a winter squash that looks like a small pumpkin. Often used as decorations, it can be green-and-white or have different shades of orange. The flesh is sweet and an orange color. It is another great squash for stuffing. Sweet dumpling squash is best baked, as it becomes watery when boiled.
You can do an internet search on any of these types of squash and find tasty, appealing recipes. Remember that winter squash and summer squash are available all year round for delicious dining any day of the year.
Sources:
recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Golden_nugget_squash
www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/1989-09-01/About-Squash.aspx
