It's Delicata Squash Season! These Recipes Show Why You'll Want It (2024)

FAQs

Is delicata squash in season now? ›

Delicata is available from late summer through early winter. Choose squashes that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Small woody patches on the skin are okay, but avoid squashes with soft spots, bruises, or mold.

Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure. As with many varieties of squash, it's also full of vitamin C, which plays a role in the growth and repair of body proteins.

HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts.

You'll know delicata squash has gone bad if it has wrinkles or soft spots. Also, if the seeds look slimy or their color is off, you'll know it's spoiled. The seeds are normally a cream or white color. Typically, they'll be covered in the flesh of the squash.

Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.

Delicata squash skin

The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.

Roasted Delicata Squash with Quinoa, Apple and Arugula Salad

Boost the delicious Delicata squash's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating benefits with two powerful super foods!

Squash is fine for earlier stages of CKD and kidney transplant when potassium is well-managed without dietary restriction. With concern for potassium levels, consider having squash in small amounts.

Its low glycemic index can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for maintaining stable glucose levels.

Storage tips: Winter Squash is best stored between 55-65 degrees, however, Delicata squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like Acorn and Butternut. Place in a cool dry room in your house (do not refrigerate) and it should last 3 months.

Do delicata squash like sun or shade? ›

Where are Delicata Squash Plants Cultivated? In an area that receives full sunlight throughout the day, seeds should be placed into mounds of dirt at a depth of one inch, with one to six seeds planted into each mound.

The squash should feel firm and heavy for its size. The squash should also be a light creamy yellow color with long green stripes. If the squash is more orange than yellow, it may be overripe. Uncooked whole delicata squash will last for up to 4 weeks on the kitchen counter.

A squash with soft spots and is soft to the touch, is a sign that the squash has gone bad. And if it starts to leak fluid, that's a sure sign that the squash is spoiled. Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten.

Toxic squash syndrome occurs when a person eats something from the gourd fruit and vegetable family that contains unusually high levels of cucurbitacins. Plants in the gourd family include courgette, melon, pumpkin, squash, and cucumber.

"Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste. If too much of the toxin is consumed it can cause illness. It is rare, but if the squash has a bitter taste, stop eating it, and grab another one."

Delicata Squash Defining Qualities & History

It was rare to find it on the shelves of grocery stores or in many restaurants. This is actually because delicata squash was once prone to mildew diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

I am addicted to this cut. delicatta squash from Trader Joe's. So, so good. Salt and pepper.

It is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash.