These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves (2024)

FAQs

These Recipes Give Delicata Squash the Attention It Deserves? ›

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.

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.

Yes, you're supposed to eat the skin. You can eat the seeds, too.

Squash Substitute Number 1: Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a great alternative to delicata given its mild nutty flavor and mild sweetness. The yellowish flesh becomes tender and caramelizes well during roasting, much like delicata.

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.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any food, taking note of any unusual reaction, such as itching or swelling, is important, but there are no known problems with the delicata squash. However, because of its fiber content, too much could cause flatulence.

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

"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."

The higher the levels of cucubitacin, the more bitter the squash will taste. The most likely cause for a bitter taste in squash is due to an environmental stress of some sort, most likely a wide temperature flux or irregular irrigation. Either of these will create an excess of cucurbitacins to concentrate in the fruit.

Delicata squash gets its name from its thin, delicate skin. The skin is easy to cut, tender and edible―this is rare among winter squashes.

Why is delicata squash hard to find? ›

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.

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!

Not only is delicata squash pretty to look at, but it's also nutritious. It's a good source of potassium and dietary fiber, and contains magnesium, manganese, and vitamins C and B.

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.

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.

I often get asked whether butternut squash is considered a non-starchy or starchy vegetable. The truth is, butternut squash and other similar winter squash varieties (such as acorn squash, delicata and hubbard squash), fall somewhere in between starchy and non-starchy vegetables.