Delicata Squash: The Squash You Should Know

How can you hate on squash when it is this pretty? Delicata squash takes the crown for the squash pageant.

Many people haven’t heard of the distinctive oblong shaped squash with longitudinal dark stripes on a yellow base. But now is your chance to be informed on one of the best kept secrets of the squash family.

Delicata is much smaller than most winter squash which makes carrying it around the grocery store a breeze. And, it doesn’t require peeling which is a lazy chef’s dream! The heirloom squash has a thin, edible skin and a buttery taste that can be described as none other than delicate. How fitting. They are rich in texture, mild in flavor and may beat out butternut squash in their creamy factor.

The striped skinned squash is an excellent choice for your fall meal plan. A ¾ cup serving of delicata squash contains only 30 calories and zero grams of fat. Although the squash is low in fiber, it is not short in vitamins A and C. The skin of the squash also contains additional vitamins and minerals.

The delicata squash is most commonly baked, but it can also be sautéed, steamed, roasted, stuffed and even microwaved! Keep your eyes peeled for this fall vegetable and then cook one of these recipes:

• Squash is often served as a side dish, but make it an hors d’oeuvre with this delicata squash and gruyere dip. Beautiful fall food.
• Test if delicata squash soup beats out butternut.  Perfect for a crisp fall evening.
• Who needs onion rings when you can have roasted delicata squash rings? No, really?
• Dinner is served with this hearty entrée: stuffed delicata squash.
• Hummus is over chickpeas, well, sort of. Try the delicata squash chickpea hummus for your next snack.

Have you ever eaten a delicata squash? What fall vegetable are you loving right now?

photo credit: mindwhisperings via photopin cc