Acorn Squash

Also Known As : Danish Squash, Pepper Squash, Courge poivrée, Winter squash, žalud squash, Agern squash, Ng bunga ng Oak kalabasa, Courge poivrée, Eichelkürbis, Makk squash, Acorn leiðsögn, Squash dearcán, Squash ghianda, Zīle drūzmēties, Gilė skvošas, Żołądź squash, Abó

Technical Name : Cucurbita pepo Acorn

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

The taste of acorn squash is buttery, slightly sweet and nutty.

Usage Tips

Acorn squash is usually baked, but can also be microwaved, sauteed or steamed.
It may be stuffed various ingredients like with rice, meat or vegetables.
For sweet dishes, maple syrup is often used to fill the halves prior to baking or made into a sauce or glaze to bring out the flavour of the squash. They taste delicious when topped with brown sugar, honey, and butter, providing a sweet and somewhat nutty flavor.
The seeds of the squash are edible after being toasted first. They can be used to prepare squash soup.
Acorn Squash is best stored in a cool, dark, well ventilated area for up to three weeks. Once cut, cover the raw pieces in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and use within 4 days, while cooked acorn squash, should be refrigerated up to 4 days. If freezing, it must be cooked and then freezed.

Description

Acorn Squash is a variety of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family, which also includes pumpkin, butternut squash, and zucchini. It resembles an acorn in shape and measures from 6 to 10 inches in length. It is small weighing between one and two pounds. It may vary from dark green, tan, white, or gold-colored. It is a fruit which is treated as a vegetable. The most common variety is the Green Acorn which has a dark green ridged exterior and a deep yellow to orange flesh. Acorn squash is native to America. It is believed to be the first food cultivated by Native American Indians. Acorn squash comes in many varieties as follows:

CREAM OF THE CROP ACORN SQUASH - This squash has an off-white rind. Its flesh becomes smooth on cooking, with a good taste.

DELICATA SQUASH - It has a classic acorn squash shape, with prominent ribs, and a cream-coloured rind which turns pale gold on ripening. The flesh is thick, golden-yellow, and finely-grained.

GOLDEN ACORN SQUASH - This squash has an orange-coloured rind. It has milder flavour than green acorn squashes, it has an orange flesh which is stringy as well.

HARLEQUIN SQUASH - These make good table ornamentals, and have good-flavoured flesh. They are best as shells to be stuffed and baked as a dish, rather than cooked as a vegetable.

HEART OF GOLD SQUASH - They have a cream-coloured rind with dark-green striping and mottling. The flesh is thick, finely-textured and golden-coloured with a somewhat sweet taste.

SWAN WHITE ACORN SQUASH - It has an off-white rind and pale yellow flesh inside. The flesh has a sweet taste and smooth texture.

TABLE ACE SQUASH - It has very dark green rind with moderate ribbing and golden flesh.

TABLE QUEEN SQUASH - It has a greenish-black rind, at times with a spot or two of yellow or orange on it, with moderate ridging.

TAY BELLE SQUASH - It has a very dark green rind and the flesh has a sweet taste.

WHITE ACORN SQUASH - This squash has an off-white rind with a pale yellow flesh and a stringy texture. The taste is mild and lightly sweet.

Health benefits

Aids in Fighting Cancer - Acorn squash being high in antioxidants, helps decrease the risk for certain cancers. It is also known to protect against neurotoxicity, a toxicity from natural or chemical substances that may lead to permanent nervous system damage like in chemotherapy and radiation.⁽¹⁾
Improves skin - It is high in vitamin C which helps promotes the production of collagen, thus helping skin look supple and brighter.⁽¹⁾
Reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome - The high fibre content in acorn squash results in good digestion and better absorption of nutrients, thus reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome in the body.⁽¹⁾
Supports a healthy prostrate - Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, acorn squash helps reduce symptoms in men with enlarged prostrate condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

Choose squash with a hard, deep-colored rind and free of blemishes or moldy spots. The hard skin protects the flesh and allows it to store longer. They should be heavy for their size. Shiny skin indicates it has been harvested before being fully mature or that the producer has applied wax. Slight orange colouring on the skin is good, but too much orange coloring indicates an overripe squash which will be dry and stringy.

Note

People who have a winter squash allergy, should avoid eating acorn squash as it may result in rashes, hives or difficulties in breathing. Some people on contact with acorn squash may develop contact dermatitis, which is an inflammation and swelling of the skin caused by handling this vegetable with bare hands. Its symptoms include itchy, red or swollen skin.⁽²⁾

Resource & Links

(1,2) https://draxe.com/nutrition/acorn-squash-nutrition/

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