Read on for a quick guide to three varieties of squash: acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash.
If you’re under the impression that fall means the unfortunate end of eating fresh and varied fruits and veggies from local shops or farmers markets, you are mistaken. There is so much amazing food still growing and coming to market over the course of the autumn season. You local farms and gardens are still going strong and cranking out incredible foods that are heathy and delicious. These include (but aren’t limited to) seasonal squash varieties. Fall and winter squashes are amazing and versatile foods that you will be happy to add into your recipe rotation. Read on for a quick guide to three of the most popular varieties of this seasonal staple: acorn squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash.
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is pretty obvious in the market since it looks like the squash version of an acorn – hence the name. Acorn squash is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients making it a nutritional powerhouse perfect for cold and flu season. The yellow-gold outside hides a rich orange interior that can liven up any plate. The flavor is mildly sweet and it makes a beautiful dish when sliced into segments. Acorn squash is also incredible stuffed with meat, grains like quinoa or rice, and other veggies. It makes a beautiful and striking vegetarian main dish when cooked without any meat in the stuffing.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is an incredibly versatile food of the season and probably the most popular and ell known of the squashes on this list. It can be roasted in chunks, baked in halves, or even cooked in the microwave. It is a beautiful vegetable, with golden colored flesh and a sweet, nutty flavor. Butternut squash can even also be used in soups and stews. It is very easy to peel, which sets it apart from other fall squash as well and makes it the easiest one on the list to dive in with.
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash once cooked can be scraped out of its shell creating noodle-like strings. This makes it a popular low-calorie substitution for pasta in many dishes this time of year. Spaghetti squash is best steamed or roasted and then covered in a sauce. You can also season it before you cook it, but depending on what you’re topping it with, that might not be necessary. Don’t limit yourself to the basics of marinara either – spaghetti sauce is a great canvas for all flavors, from peanutty Thai sauces to curries.
BAYWATER FARMS HAS THE RIGHT PRODUCE FOR YOU
Baywater Farms is a family-owned and operated farm servicing Baltimore, Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware beaches, and the Eastern Shore. We are capable of meeting the demands of your produce distributor, restaurant produce supplier, CSA produce supplier, or wholesale produce supplier while maintaining the integrity and character of a small farm. When you work with Baywater Farms, you work with an experienced, ethical, and local farm dedicated to providing the highest-quality heirloom produce.