Winter squash has thick skin, hard seeds, and very dense flesh that requires that it be cooked longer than summer squash. It is generally prepared by baking, steaming or simmering but can also be added to soups, stews, and casseroles. Seeds from winter squash make a great snack food, just like pumpkin seeds. Scoop the pulp and seeds from inside the squash and separate out the seeds. Then place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and lightly roast them in the oven at 160-170ºF for 15-20 minutes.
Store winter squash in a cool, dark place and it will keep for several months.
Winter squash is a good source of potassium, niacn, iron and beta carotene. The orange-fleshed squash is also an excellent source of beta carotene. As a general rule, the deeper the orange color, the higher the beta carotene content. Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A being essential for healthy skin, vision, bone development and maintenance as well as many other functions. It is low in sodium, a good source of vitamin A, and high in fiber. (University of Illinois Extension, WH Foods)
BUTTERNUT
Butternut Squash is one of the most versatile of the winter squashes. It has pale creamy skin and fine-textured, deep-orange flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor.
Try pureeing boiled butternut squash for a delicious, easy soup.
ACORN
Acorn squash has a green skin speckled with orange patches and pale yellow-orange flesh. It has a unique flavor that is a combination of sweet, nutty and peppery. (WH Foods)
SPAGHETTI
Spaghetti squash is a large (4 to 8 pound) oblong winter squash that is usually a pale ivory to pale yellow in color.
Amazingly enough Spaghetti squash is an excellent and healthy substitute for pasta. They may be baked, boiled or cooked in a crockpot or microwave. Once cooled, cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Pull a fork lengthwise through the flesh to separate into the long spaghetti-like strands.
BUTTERCUP
Buttercup squash is an heirloom winter squash with a roundish shape about 5" tall. They are dark green in color and have a grey button on the bottom where the blossom was attached. They weigh anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds. Inside buttercups have a fine-grained stringless orange flesh that is know for its sweetness.
KABOCHA "SWEET DUMPLING"
Kabocha is a winter squash and is also called a Japanese pumpkin. The Sweet Dumpling kabocha is a popular one-serving winter squash. The skin color is cream color with dark green stripes and is very striking in appearance. The flesh is light yellow with a smooth texture and sweet delicate flavor. The small squash is deep lobed and ribbed shape and grows to about 4" tall and 4" around and weighs about 1/2 pound. (Kitazawa Seed Co)
