Squash is an edible fruit that originated from the Native Americans. It comes from a vine-like, tendril-bearing plant that belongs to the Cucurbita, a genus of herbaceous vines in the gourd family. It consists of many varieties that can be grown year-round.
The word “squash” comes from the Narragansett language askutasquash. This means “a green thing eaten raw or uncooked.” It is also an important crop which was used in art. The Moche civilization used squash as a pottery model for their ceramics.
When it comes to food preparation, squash is considered a vegetable. It has a unique flavor and is versatile to use for food recipes. It is low in calories and is a good source of protein and dietary fiber.
Types of squash:
Acorn squash is a winter squash, which is also known as “pepper squash” or “Des Moines squash.” Acorn squash has a buttery and sweet taste that is similar to a pumpkin but it is more sugary. It has a very mild taste which makes it versatile in food preparations and it can be easily paired with roasted or grilled meat. It also has high nutritional value due to higher amounts of folate, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that grows on a vine. It is also known as “butternut pumpkin” or “gramma” because its taste is sweet and nutty just like butter and pumpkin together. It is very dense and it offers more servings than a usual squash. Its flavor pairs well with garlic and olive oil, cayenne pepper, sage, oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper, etc.
Spaghetti squash, which is also known as “vegetable spaghetti”, is also harvested during the winter and is considered as a low-carb alternative to pasta. It has a mild, almost neutral taste which tastes just like spaghetti.
Squash Recipes:
