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Winter Squash Facts

winter squash

Winter Squash facts and general information about winter squash.

Planned Kids Cooking Curriculum

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Winter Squash is Available:

Winter squash are available fall through winter season.

How Does Winter Squash Grow:

From a seed planted in late spring.

What to Look for When Buying Winter Squash:

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

Winter Squash Storage Tips:

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

How to Cook Winter Squash:

Cut in half and roast in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes-1 hour depending on size of squash. You will know it is done when a knife can be inserted in the flesh easily. Allow to cool then mash, add to stews, soups or add in baking (such as quick breads and pies)

Winter Squash Nutrition Facts:

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

Winter Squash Facts- Recipes:

Spaghetti Squash

Pierce skin of squash several places and place in baking dish. Bake in oven for 1 1/2 hours until tender. Let cool enough to handle. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and stringy parts. With a fork pull strands apart and place in serving bowl. (these resemble spaghetti noodles)
Toss with 1/4 Cup or less olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Sloppy Joes Stuffed Squash

Make your favorite Sloppy Joe recipe and stuff an acorn squash. Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Cook in boiling water about 10 minutes. Place on serving dish. Prepare sloppy joe recipe and stuff squash with mixture. You can also sprinkle with bread crumbs and cheese and broil on baking sheet 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
How to Cook Butternut Squash
How to Cook Acorn Squash
Pumpkin Recipes

Squash Centerpiece

Pick a butternut squash that is free of blemishes. If it doesn't stand upright on its own slice off some of the bottom so it is flat. Cut off the top of the squash and hollow out seeds and insides.(as you would a pumpkin) Cut out any excess flesh inside. Place on a small saucer or plate. Use your squash vase for flowers and decorate your autumn table.

Cream of Squash Soup

1 medium squash cut in half or wedges and cook in oven for 1 hour or until tender. Allow to cool and scoop out flesh from skin.

3 Tablespoons butter
1 leek, chopped
In saucepan, saute butter and leek. Add,
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
Stir in squash. Add 4 Cups chicken broth.

Simmer for 20 minutes. Puree in blender. Serve.

~~Try butternut squash or pumpkin for this recipe.
squash soup

More Winter Squash Cooking Ideas

Add cubed or julienned squash to soups, stir fry, pot pies.

Make cooked butternut squash into a cream soup.

Add ½ cup pureed cooked squash to pancake or waffle batter.

Stuff squash with chopped apples and bread stuffing such as stove top or a homemade version.

Cube squash and roast in the oven with Brussels sprouts, carrots or other vegetables. Drizzle all vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees until tender.