Winter Squash Facts

Winter squash facts

Learn winter squash facts and general information about winter squash. This page includes how winter squash grows, how to choose and store it, nutrition facts, and easy recipe ideas for spaghetti squash, soup, and more.

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Fun Winter Squash Facts

  • Winter squash is available from fall through winter.
  • It grows from a seed planted in late spring.
  • Winter squash has a thick, hard shell.
  • Common kinds include spaghetti squash, acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin.
  • Cooked squash can be mashed, added to soups, or used in baking.

How Winter Squash Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

Winter Squash Is Available

Winter squash is available fall through winter season.

How Does Winter Squash Grow?

Winter squash grows from a seed planted in late spring.

Different winter squash including pumpkins

What to Look for When Buying

Choose a squash that is heavy with a thick hard shell. No spots, mold, bruises, or cuts should be seen.

Storage Tips

Store squash in a cool, dark, dry place. If cut in half, store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap.

Kid Tip: Winter squash is much harder than summer squash, so this is a food that usually needs adult cutting help.

How to Cook Winter Squash

How to Use Winter Squash

  1. Cut squash in half and remove the seeds.
  2. Roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on size.
  3. The squash is done when a knife slides into the flesh easily.
  4. Allow to cool, then mash it, add it to soups or stews, or use it in baking like quick breads and pies.

How to Cut Squash Safely for Kids

  • Always have an adult cut hard winter squash.
  • Wash and dry the squash first so it is not slippery.
  • Set it on a steady cutting board or towel so it does not roll.
  • Cut off a small piece from the bottom first if needed to make it more stable.
  • Use a spoon to scoop out seeds after the squash is opened.

Kids can help scoop seeds, season the squash, mash the cooked flesh, or measure ingredients after the cutting is done.

Types of Winter Squash

Spaghetti squash makes noodle-like strands when cooked.

Butternut squash is smooth, sweet, and great for soup.

Acorn squash is good for stuffing and roasting.

Pumpkin works well in pies, pancakes, breads, and soups.

Food Science: Why Darker Orange Squash Is Often More Nutritious

Why Does Dark Orange Squash Matter?

Squash with darker orange flesh is often more nutritious because it contains more natural pigments called carotenoids.

Those pigments are linked with vitamin A, which is one reason orange squash is known as a nutritious food.

Mini Activity

Winter Squash Sorting Challenge

  1. Look at pictures or real winter squash such as spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin.
  2. Sort them by shape, color, or size.
  3. Make a group for long squash, round squash, and squash with ridges.
  4. Talk about which squash looks best for soup, stuffing, roasting, or baking.
  5. Count how many different kinds of winter squash you found.

This activity helps kids notice that winter squash comes in many different shapes and sizes and that different types can be used in different recipes.

Winter Squash Nutrition Facts

One serving equals about 1 cup cubed. Squash with darker orange flesh is often more nutritious. Winter squash is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.

  • Winter squash is high in vitamin A.
  • It also provides vitamin C.
  • Winter squash contains dietary fiber.
  • It is also a source of potassium.

More Food Fact Resources




Winter Squash Recipe Ideas

Keep Learning: Try more ideas with pumpkin recipes or explore other ingredients in the Food Facts hub.

Spaghetti Squash

Roasted spaghetti squash with olive oil, garlic powder, butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

  • Category: Side Dish
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Cooked spaghetti squash
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Ingredients

  • 2 medium spaghetti squash
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Place top oven rack in the center position and preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Trim the top and bottom off each spaghetti squash. Slice down the middle and scoop out the pulp and seeds.
  3. Brush the edges and inside with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Place cut side down on the baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, or until fork tender.
  5. Cool slightly, flip over, and shred the inside with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands.
  6. Drizzle melted butter over the squash, top with Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese melts and begins to brown.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Cream of Squash Soup

A creamy soup made with cooked squash, butter, leek, ginger, and chicken broth.

  • Category: Soup
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Cream of squash soup
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Ingredients

  • 1 medium squash cut in half or wedges
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 leek, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Directions

  1. Cook squash in the oven for 1 hour or until tender. Allow to cool and scoop out flesh from skin.
  2. In a saucepan, saute butter and chopped leek.
  3. Add ground ginger and stir in squash.
  4. Add chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Puree in blender and serve.
Try This: Butternut squash or pumpkin both work well in this recipe.
Pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin Recipes

Explore more winter squash recipe ideas using pumpkin.

Spaghetti squash ideas

More Spaghetti Squash Ideas

See more ways to cook spaghetti squash.

How to cook butternut squash

How to Cook Butternut Squash

Learn more ways to prepare butternut squash.

How to cook acorn squash

How to Cook Acorn Squash

Try another winter squash cooking method.

More Winter Squash Ideas

  • Add cubed or julienned squash to soups, stir fry, and pot pies.
  • Make cooked butternut squash into a cream soup.
  • Add 1/2 cup pureed cooked squash to pancake or waffle batter.
  • Stuff squash with chopped apples and bread stuffing.
  • Cube squash and roast it with Brussels sprouts, carrots, or other vegetables.
Try This: Make your favorite Sloppy Joe recipe and use it to stuff cooked acorn squash for a fun winter squash meal idea.

Squash Centerpiece

Make a Squash Centerpiece

Pick a butternut squash that is free of blemishes. If it does not stand upright, slice off a small piece of the bottom so it is flat. Cut off the top and hollow out the seeds and insides like a pumpkin. Place it on a saucer or plate and use it as a squash vase for flowers on an autumn table.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Winter Squash Facts FAQ

When is winter squash available?

Winter squash is available from fall through winter.

How does winter squash grow?

Winter squash grows from a seed planted in late spring.

What should you look for when buying winter squash?

Choose squash that feels heavy and has a thick hard shell with no spots, mold, bruises, or cuts.

How should winter squash be stored?

Store whole squash in a cool, dark, dry place. If cut, store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap.

What nutrients are in winter squash?

Winter squash is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.

How can winter squash be cooked?

Winter squash can be roasted, mashed, added to soups and stews, or used in quick breads, pies, and pancakes.

Keep Learning About Winter Squash

Pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin Recipes

Explore more winter squash recipes using pumpkin.

Food Facts hub

Food Facts Hub

Explore more ingredient pages and food learning ideas.

Kids cooking lessons

Kids Cooking Lessons

Build more kitchen skills with hands-on lessons and activities.

Spaghetti squash

Spaghetti Squash

Try a fun winter squash that makes noodle-like strands.

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Reader's Submitted Recipes

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Spaghetti Squash 
Instructions regarding how to cook spaghetti squash are straightforward. Simply cut a spaghetti squash in half (lengthwise), remove pulp and seeds, place …

Cooking butternut squash 
The reason I learned how to cook butternut squash was my uncle told me that butternut squash was a fruit when I was very young. I didn’t believe it was …

How to cook acorn squash 
This is one of the best ways I know how to cook acorn squash it is fast, easy and anyone can do it. I learned it from watching my grandma and she used …

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