13 Delicata Squash Recipes + Produce Guide (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat all of a delicata squash? ›

Yes! The skin of Delicata squash is 100% edible. That's the second reason I love this squash so much. It's so easy to prepare because you don't have to bother peeling it.

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.

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.

Let cool, cut as desired, place in freezer storage containers, label and freeze. Delicious and easy to thaw and use in puréed applications or as a simple side dish.

Aim to have no more than 4 or 5 fruit developing on each vine. Any more and you may find the flavor is lacking come harvest time. Many growers find squash to be very unruly plants.

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.

In addition to vitamins A and C, butternut squash is also rich in carotenoid plant pigments and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Like acorn squash, butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baked goods, grain dishes, and soups.

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

Although this squash has been around for centuries, It started gaining popularity only a few years ago. 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.

Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten. Color - the outer skin of the squash is a quick way to check for any sign of spoilage.

Why is my delicata squash oozing? ›

If the stem has been broken or removed at harvest the area may ooze liquid the color of brown sugar. This is OK as long as the squash seems fresh and there's no softening of the flesh. When: Delicata is a prolific variety and tends to hold well in storage.

Delicata squash are small and cylindrical, pale creamy yellow in color with green to orange vertical stripes. Inside, delicata squash is also pale yellow. One of the best features of delicata squash is its thin, edible rind.

Summer squash, like most vegetables, must be blanched before they can be frozen. Blanching stops enzyme actions that can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching works best if you heat 1 gallon of water to boiling in a large pot fitted with a wire basket or colander.

Squash store best at an even 50°F in a dark place. This could be a cool and dark shelf, cabinet, or drawer in the kitchen, pantry, or closet. They also store well in a warmer section of the root cellar such as on the top shelf.

Can you freeze summer squash without blanching? To make sure your squash doesn't get mushy, the key is to lightly blanch it before you freeze it.

Delicata squash (cucurbita pepo), is a type of vine ripened fruit (yep!) that is known for it's oval oblong shape with green stripes. It is also known as the peanut squash, bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash. Small edible seeds can be found in the center of the squash.

If you harvest your winter squashes too early, they may lack flavor. You can use a bypass pruner to cut through the stem and remove the squash, leaving about 2½ inches of the stem on the fruit.

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

Not only are they edible, they're nutritious too! Squash seeds are high in fiber, high in magnesium and full of antioxidants. It's a literal shame to dump them in the garbage when you're cooking with winter squash. So broaden those horizons beyond pumpkin and let's get to this roasted delicata squash seed recipe.