Fall is obviously squash season, with the star of the show being the pumpkin in all of its spiced-up forms, of course.
But there are plenty of other delicious and nutrient-packed winter squashes available abound this time of year and they’re amazing in an abundance of autumn dishes, from casseroles and soups, to pastas and even desserts. Let’s take a look at how to buy and prepare some of the popular members of the curbitaceae family.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
This bell-shaped gourd has a thick, beige skin, hiding the bright orange flesh inside. That orange color is an indication that this veggie is loaded with beta-carotene (yup, just like carrots), which protects your eyes and helps keep your immune system strong. Butternut squash is also a great source of fiber — one cup of cooked squash contains 25 percent of the fiber you need for the day, plus as much potassium as a potato.
When you’re at the store, look for butternut squash that is heavy for its size, with no soft spots or cracks.
When it’s time to prep the squash, don’t let its tough exterior intimidate you. They are definitely a challenge to cut open, but a few steps should make it easier. Note: This method actually works well with any hard-skinned winter squash.
1. Wash the outside of the squash under warm running water.
2. Place the squash on a cutting board and slice off the curved bottom with a sharp knife to create a flat surface. Now you can use a sturdy vegetable peeler to remove the skin, peeling in a downward motion.
3. Next, slice the squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. You can discard them or save them for roasting. You can now cut the squash into cubes, slices or whatever shape your recipe needs.
In addition to roasting and sauteing, you can also steam or puree the squash. For a boost of fiber, try adding one cup of mashed butternut to your next batch of muffins. This adds a lot of moisture, which lets you reduce the butter or oil needed in the recipe by about half.
ACORN SQUASH
Look for acorn squash with a hard, uniform skin and no moldy spots. The skin is actually edible if roasted well.
Acorn squash make wonderful vessels for stuffing with a flavorful combination of meat, herbs and grains (or dried fruit) like in Guy Fieri’s Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Like butternut squash, acorn squash is a wonderful source of beta-carotene and one cup also provides nearly 2 milligrams of iron.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
Named for the thin, noodle-like strands that form inside, spaghetti squash is yellow-gold on the outside and light golden inside. It’s oblong shaped and similar in size to a small watermelon.
Look for spaghetti squash with a hard skin that’s free of mold and soft spots. If the skin is tender to the touch, that means the squash was picked too early.
If you like zoodles, you’ll love spaghetti squash! For those looking to limit their carbohydrate intake, this squash can be a great addition to any diet since one cup of cooked spaghetti squash has just a quarter of the amount of carbs as a cup of regular cooked pasta