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Acorn Squash

Acorn squash, also known as Cucurbita pepo, is a winter squash variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It's recognized by its small, acorn-like shape and attractive, ridged dark green skin with occasional orange patches. The squash's flesh is golden-yellow and has a mild, sweet flavor, while its tender seeds can be consumed after roasting. Acorn squash is a versatile ingredient, popular among home cooks as it can be used in various recipes such as soups, casseroles, and salads. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, rendering it a healthy and tasty choice for meals.
#96
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
40
CAL / 100G
$0.07
AVG / OZ
acorn squash
92%
CARBS
1%
FAT
7%
PROTEIN
Acorn Squash FAQ
Acorn squash, with its sweet, slightly nutty flavor, is a versatile staple in many kitchens. However, people often have trouble figuring out the best way to prepare it or realizing its full potential. Where most people go wrong with acorn squash is in cutting it open. The squash’s hard exterior can make it difficult to cut easily. When cutting an acorn squash, it’s best to use a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife to handle the task with ease. Another common mistake is not utilizing the seeds - they can be scoop out, cleaned, and roasted for a delicious, healthy snack. When it comes to enhancing its flavor, spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice work wonderfully, or savory herbs like rosemary and thyme offer great pairings. For a little known tip, try roasting the halves of acorn squash in a bit of water: this will help steam the squash, making it tender and ready to eat much quicker than roasting it dry. Also, while most people peel the skin off before eating, it is edible and packed with nutrients, especially when it's cooked. Another trick is to use it as a container - roasted acorn squash halves can be stuff with grains, other veggies, or even proteins for a complete meal in itself.
Can I stuff acorn squash?
Can I eat the skin of acorn squash?
How do I cut an acorn squash?
How do I cook acorn squash?
How can I sweeten acorn squash?
Can I make soup with acorn squash?
Are the seeds of acorn squash edible?
How can I quicken the cooking time of acorn squash?
Can I cook acorn squash in a slow cooker?
What spices go well with acorn squash?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does acorn squash expire?
An unopened acorn squash can last for about one month when stored at room temperature. However, if you place it inside the refrigerator, it can last for a whopping two months. That's quite impressive for a vegetable, isn't it? Once acorn squash has been cut, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to a week. In the freezer, your cut squash can last up to a year - perfect for batch cooking!
How do you tell if acorn squash is bad?
Typically, a spoiled acorn squash will start to get soft spots on its surface which will feel unusually soft or even slimy to the touch. If you see a lot of moldy spots or a strange color, you probably do not want to eat it. Also, if it starts to give off an unpleasant or off odor, that's a surefire sign the squash has gone bad. Always remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
Tips for storing acorn squash to extend shelf life
• Don't wash your acorn squash until you're ready to use it. This prevents early spoilage. • For an uncut squash, store in a cool, dark place. Basements or pantries well work well. • Once cut, wrap the leftover squash tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. • If you're looking to freeze your acorn squash, it's best to first cook it. Once cooled, you can cut it into chunks and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready, you can easily defrost it in the fridge or throw the chunks straight into your cooking pot!
EXPIRES WITHIN
6 - 12
WEEKS
Health Info
Macros
21g
CARBS
0g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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