{"id":46205,"date":"2024-01-05T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/?p=46205"},"modified":"2026-09-14T06:17:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T13:17:33","slug":"winter-squash-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/winter-squash-recipes\/","title":{"rendered":"Savor the Season: 7 Must-Try Winter Squash Varieties and Recipes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n

\n Jump to Recipes<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\nAs the cooler months settle in and the leaves change color and fall, you may notice the appearance of certain seasonal fruits and veggies. Root vegetables<\/a> like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and turnips appear in surplus at grocery stores and markets. But probably most noticeable are pumpkins<\/a> and other winter squash.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While botanically speaking, these vegetables may differ, one thing they have in common is their classification as \u201cwinter food.\u201d They\u2019re easy to store in colder months, especially when many home gardens are dormant (unless you live in Zone 11 \u2014 looking at you, Hawaii and southern Florida).<\/p>\n

Winter squashes, in particular, are popular choices once cooler weather approaches, often showing up during the holiday season. But their tough skin and seedy interior can often seem intimidating. The thought of cooking winter squash (or simply cutting winter squash!) may be enough to make you think twice about that butternut squash recipe.<\/p>\n

But there\u2019s no need to groan when you see a gourd. In this article, we\u2019ll share our top tips to choose, store, prepare, and cook these wintery squashes, along with seven winter squash recipes.<\/p>\n

Is a Pumpkin a Squash or a Gourd? And Is a Gourd a Squash?<\/h2>\n
\"Close
iStock.com\/OKrasyuk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If a pumpkin is a squash, and a gourd is a pumpkin, does that mean a squash is also a gourd? The answer is yes\u2026 well, sort of.<\/p>\n

Squash, gourds, and pumpkins are the same in that they are all part of the Cucurbitaceae<\/i> family (pronounced q-curb-eh-tacy). All gourds are squash, but not all squash are necessarily gourds<\/strong>, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You see, it\u2019s a bit complicated and probably more than you need (or want) to know. However, just to avoid any confusion, squash is the edible type of Cucurbitaceae <\/i>fruit.<\/p>\n

Gourds are the decorative types of Cucurbitaceae<\/i>, and most are purely ornamental in nature.<\/p>\n

Pumpkin can fall into either category, playing the role of the scary jack-o\u2019-lantern perching on your doorstep, or offering up nutrition in the form of pumpkin soup.<\/p>\n

There are over 900 species in the Cucurbitaceae<\/i> family. And according to The Modern Farmer<\/a>, there are also hundreds of winter squash varieties<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Winter Squash Varieties<\/h2>\n

Although they\u2019re all slightly different in shape, color, flavor, and texture, these seasonal vegetables\u2026 err, fruits\u2026 all pack a nutritious punch. They\u2019re loaded with carotenoids, like beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A<\/a>. And winter squashes are also rich sources<\/a> of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber,<\/strong> making them the perfect addition to soups to help fight against those nasty winter colds.<\/p>\n

To learn more about squash\u2019s nutritional superpowers, check out the Top Health Benefits of Squash + How to Prepare and Eat It<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The main types of winter squash you\u2019re likely to encounter are:<\/p>\n

1. Butternut<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Butternut
iStock.com\/pilipphoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most common and versatile of the winter squash varieties, butternut squash provides over 100% of the RDA<\/a> for vitamin A in just one cooked cup!<\/strong> You can also use it in place of sweet potatoes as its texture and flavor are quite similar. Or make the Cheesy Cauliflower Squash Sauce below to see how it can lend an ultrarich and creamy texture to recipes.<\/p>\n

2. Delicata<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"delicata
iStock.com\/jacquesdurocher<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Delicata squash may be one of the least intimidating of all the winter squashes due to the ease of cutting through its thin skin and softer flesh. It\u2019s similar to butternut squash (and, really, all of the squash varieties) in that it\u2019s powered with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Its boat-like shape and ability to keep form after cooking make it an ideal vessel for stuffing with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Acorn<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Raw
iStock.com\/bhofack2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recognizable for its often hunter-green hue and nut-like shape, acorn squash can transform into a bowl for all of your plant-based creations. From soups to grains to saut\u00e9ed vegetables (umami mushrooms, in particular, pair nicely<\/strong>), stuffed acorn squash is one of my favorite winter foods.<\/p>\n

4. Spaghetti<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Spaghetti
iStock.com\/vm2002<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Its mellow flavor and familiar noodle shape make spaghetti squash a fun and nutritious substitute for traditional spaghetti dishes.<\/strong> Consider mixing with pasta sauces you know and love, like marinara, pesto<\/a>, and (cashew) bechamel<\/a>, for a fiber- and beta-carotene-rich pasta dish.<\/p>\n

5. Kabocha<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Green
iStock.com\/Nungning20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Transforming into buttery, nutty, sweet goodness, similar to sweet potato or pumpkin, kabocha squash is succulent in risotto, soups, and stews. Its outer shell can be pretty tough to cut, so you may want to microwave it for a few minutes before cooking. P.S. Kabocha squash seeds are rich in zinc<\/a>!<\/strong> Harvest, clean, and roast them for a crunchy, nutritious snack.<\/p>\n

6. Sugar Pie Pumpkins<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"A
iStock.com\/MadCircles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The vibrant orange color of sugar pie pumpkins is a clue that they\u2019re chock-full of vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin C. And their sweet name clues you in to their culinary application; they\u2019re an ideal addition to your winter desserts!<\/strong><\/p>\n

7. Hubbard<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"Blue
iStock.com\/EvergreenPlanet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s possible that, if you\u2019ve ever walked by a Hubbard squash, you didn\u2019t pay it much attention due to its thick leathery skin and heavy weight (ranging from 5\u201315 pounds!). It may look intimidating, but its dense flesh offers a rich flavor that blends into a creamy, dreamy, thick soup. To get past that seriously tough skin, try cooking it first to soften the skin before removing<\/strong> it to get to the delectable nutrient-dense flesh.<\/p>\n

How to Choose and Store Winter Squash<\/h2>\n

When searching for that perfect edible winter squash, you\u2019ll need to pick one up and examine it. It should be heavy and firm<\/a>, without soft spots, moldy patches, or cut or punctured skin.<\/p>\n

The shape should also be distinctive to its variety. Acorn squash looks like an acorn; banana squash looks like a banana; spaghetti squash looks like\u2026 well the inside does, anyway. Look for a well-shaped squash with tough skin (much tougher than the delicate thin-skinned summer squash).<\/p>\n

You may be wondering if winter squash skin is edible. It is indeed!<\/strong> However, it can be tough to chew. Therefore, depending on the strength of your choppers and the tenacity of your digestive system, you may want to peel it. Cooking the squash can soften its skin, making it easier to peel.<\/p>\n

Actually, let\u2019s take a moment of gratitude for that resilient skin, as this lovely attribute gives winter squash its long shelf life<\/a>. Depending on the type<\/a> of squash and how it\u2019s stored, many can last about 2\u20136 months.<\/strong> To take advantage of that stellar shelf life, store winter squash in a cool dark place (a basement works well, but don\u2019t forget about it!). Cooked and cut squash can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3\u20134 days in an airtight container<\/a> or in the freezer for up to four months.<\/p>\n

How to Prepare Winter Squash<\/h2>\n
\"Cutting
iStock.com\/GMVozd<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re worried about pesticides on your produce, you\u2019ll be happy to know that no winter squash varieties made the EWG\u2019s Dirty Dozen<\/a> list.<\/strong> However, they are in the \u201cMiddle 19,\u201d which means winter squashes still contain a moderate amount of pesticides.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always recommended<\/a> that you wash the skin of fruits and vegetables before consuming them, especially when they contain pesticides. But to learn the best way to wash fresh produce, visit How to Wash Vegetables and Fruits to Remove Pesticides<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Okay, on to the part you\u2019ve been waiting for \u2014 how to cut those awkwardly-shaped, wobbly cucurbits.<\/p>\n

First, you\u2019ll need a sturdy cutting board<\/a> that doesn\u2019t move around when you use it. (I\u2019m a big fan of cutting boards made of wood rather than chemical-y plastic or slippery glass).<\/p>\n

Next, you\u2019ll need a sharp knife<\/a>, as the rind of winter squash<\/a> can be quite tough. There are different ways to cut squash depending on the variety, size, and culinary application. For most, start by cutting off the ends and scooping out the seeds (save the seeds<\/a> for snacking!).<\/strong> If you\u2019re more of a visual learner, watch the video below to see how to cut acorn and other winter squash varieties.<\/p>\n\n

\n
\n
\n