Ingredient Highlight, Recipes

Just Squashin’ Around // All About Winter Squash

Hey kids, who helps the young winter squash cross the road safely?

The crossing gourd of course!

November is a perfect time to learn about winter squash! Winter squash stores well through the winter and can be used to make delicious foods.

  • Winter squash takes double the time to grow as summer squash!
  • The oldest squash date back to 8,000 B.C.!
  • The first squash were grown in Peru, Central America, and the Eastern U.S.
  • Squash belong to the same family as cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and gourds.
  • You can eat almost any part of a squash including the seeds, flowers, and leaves!
  • Once a squash is picked from the vine, it can last for months!

Winter squash have high amounts of vitamins A, B, and C! The bright red/orange colors found in winter squash come from carotenoids. Carotenoids help protect your body from getting sick.

  • Banana
  • Butternut
  • Buttercup
  • Acorn
  • Hubbard
  • Spaghetti

Squash can be used for many kinds of foods! Here are some ideas.

  • Soup
  • Pasta sauce
  • Pie
  • Muffins
  • Roasted with other vegetables

Spaghetti squash spaghetti is one of our favorites! Click here for the recipe.

Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

Happy creating!

References

  1. Winter squash and the science behind them
  2. Summer and winter squash in the garden

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