15 Delicata Squash Recipes for the Season (2024)

FAQs

Is delicata squash in season now? ›

Delicata is available from late summer through early winter. Choose squashes that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Small woody patches on the skin are okay, but avoid squashes with soft spots, bruises, or mold.

To save time, you can slice delicata squash in advance. Delicata cubes, rings, and half-moons keep for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also store delicata squash in the freezer for three to six months.

The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.

Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.

Delicata Squash Defining Qualities & History

It was rare to find it on the shelves of grocery stores or in many restaurants. This is actually because delicata squash was once prone to mildew diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Let cool, cut as desired, place in freezer storage containers, label and freeze. Delicious and easy to thaw and use in puréed applications or as a simple side dish.

Save your Delicata squash from going bad by putting it into a vacuum sealed bag. Find out if need to defrost it before cooking.

If the stem has been broken or removed at harvest the area may ooze liquid the color of brown sugar. This is OK as long as the squash seems fresh and there's no softening of the flesh. When: Delicata is a prolific variety and tends to hold well in storage.

Powdery mildew on squash (and other plants) is pretty simple to identify. The first thing you'll probably notice is blotchy patches of white-gray powdery spots that are dry to the touch on the surface of leaves.

Should Delicata squash be refrigerated? ›

How to Store Delicata Squash. You don't need to refrigerate your delicata squash; just store them in a cool, dry place. To prevent rot on any side, consider storing them on a surface with good air circulation; I keep them in a metal basket, but you could also use a colander or other perforated container.

In addition to vitamins A and C, butternut squash is also rich in carotenoid plant pigments and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Like acorn squash, butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baked goods, grain dishes, and soups.

Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure. As with many varieties of squash, it's also full of vitamin C, which plays a role in the growth and repair of body proteins.

Delicata squash ripens early. The cylindrical shape of the 8-inch-long fruits makes them easy to stuff with ground meat, grains, nuts, cheese or other vegetables. Delicata squash gets its name from its thin, delicate skin. The skin is easy to cut, tender and edible―this is rare among winter squashes.

HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts.

Summer squash, despite the name, is generally available year-round; varieties include zucchini, yellow, pattypan and crookneck. Common winter squash, such as butternut and spaghetti, are also available year-round, but other varieties, such as turban and fairytale, typically peak November to December.

I am addicted to this cut. delicatta squash from Trader Joe's. So, so good. Salt and pepper.

It is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash.