Winter Squash
STORAGE TIPS:
Winter squash does best when kept in a cool, dark place like in a cabinet, drawer, or on a shelf in your pantry. Be sure to refrigerate after cutting.
HOW TO PREP:
Cut in half and scoop out seeds. Seeds can be separated from the pulp, rinsed, dried, and then roasted to make a crunchy snack.
> Watch a short video on how to store and prepare winter squash
Acorn Squash
Appearance: Dark green exterior with a pale orange or yellow interior.
Preparing:
Roast: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Cut the squash into wedges or semi-circles, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite seasonings. Roast pieces face down in a baking dish with about 2 tablespoons of water and bake for 25-35 minutes or until tender.
Sauté: Cut in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut into 1-inch thick semicircles. Place in a pan over medium heat with butter, flip once when the sides turn brown.
Spaghetti Squash
Appearance: Yellow or pale orange exterior with a pale yellow interior.
Preparing:
Roast: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Cut the squash into wedges or semi-circles, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite seasonings. Roast pieces face down in a baking dish with about 2 tablespoons of water and bake for 25-35 minutes or until tender. Use a fork to gently fluff out the stringy flesh. Top with tomato sauce or your favorite pasta toppings and enjoy!
Butternut Squash
Appearance: Beige exterior with an orange interior.
Preparing:
Roast: Preheat the oven to 425 °F°F. Cut the peeled squash into 1-inch cubes. Transfer to a large, rimmed baking sheet. Toss with oil, salt and pepper, and fresh, chopped herbs. Spread out in a single layer and put in the preheated oven. Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender (but not mushy) and golden brown, up to 25-35 minutes.
Delicata Squash
Appearance: Orange or yellow speckled exterior with green stripes with a pale yellow interior.
Preparing:
Roast: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Cut the squash into wedges or semi-circles , or cut in half lengthwise into boats, drizzle with olive oil, and season with your favorite seasonings. Roast pieces face down in a baking dish with about 2 tablespoons of water and bake for 25-35 minutes or until tender. If cut into boats, stuff with rice and meat or eat as is.
Unlike many other winter squash the skin of delicata is edible and delicious.