General Information
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. It's delicate flesh can be eaten- there is no need to peel the fruit. However, this squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like acorn and butternut. The long shape of this squash makes it ideal for stuffing or for slicing into thin rings to be roasted.
Delicata squash, like all winter squashes, is a good source of carotenoids, nutrients that improve night vision and eye health. As vision acuity often decreases with age, it is particularly important for seniors to get enough dietary carotenoids. Carotenoids are also antioxidants, and can decrease the risk of certain cancers. Additionally, squash contains a high amount of vitamin C, which plays an important role in immune function and disease prevention.
When peeling winter squash, it is much easier to remove it after it has been baked. The roasting process of the squash allows the skin to lift off in the oven. Otherwise, the process can be quite difficult and tedious. If peeling before baking is necessary for your recipe, a sharp potato peeler should do the trick, but may yield less squash than the former method.
Winter Squashes have a light, sweet, slightly nutty flavor and can be added to almost any recipe. Adding certain spices can change the taste of your squash to one that coincides with the taste of your main dish. Winter squash is a versatile cucurbit that can be used for soups, smoothies, stuffed in mushrooms, or a simple side dish.
If you are interested in saving the seeds, you can prepare them in the same way you would prepare pumpkin seeds. After cleaning them with water, these seeds are best when tossed with a little bit of oil and seasoning. Feel free to use salt, or even spice it up with some chili powder, or wasabi powder. These seeds can be eaten after they’re cooked, but are also a clever garnish for winter squash recipes.
Storing & Cooking Information
Handling:Wash the squash and peel only if desired.
Storing:Winter squash will last 3-6 months stored at room temperature in a dry and cool (50-55 degrees) but not cold location.
Freezing:Cook the squash until soft, scoop out the flesh, pack in freezer containers, label, and place in the freezer.
FAQs
Aim to have no more than 4 or 5 fruit developing on each vine. Any more and you may find the flavor is lacking come harvest time. Many growers find squash to be very unruly plants.
How much space does Delicata squash need? ›
PLANT SPACING:
Bush to short-vine habits generally require 6' between-row spacing, while long-vine habits require 12' between-row spacing. In-row spacing depends on fruit size and is generally: small, 18-24"; medium, 24-36"; large, 36-48".
Why is Delicata squash hard to find? ›
Although this squash has been around for centuries, It started gaining popularity only a few years ago. 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.
Does Delicata squash need a trellis? ›
The best varieties for squash trellising are delicata, acorn, zucchini, and yellow summer. The smaller squashes and gourds do well but winter squash, like turban and butternut, can become too heavy and large for a successful vertical garden without additional support.
Can you eat too much Delicata squash? ›
"Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste. If too much of the toxin is consumed it can cause illness. It is rare, but if the squash has a bitter taste, stop eating it, and grab another one."
Can Delicata squash cross pollinate with zucchini? ›
Zucchini, Yellow Crookneck, Acorn, Spaghetti, Patty Pan, Delicata, Pumpkins and Gourds (except edible snake gourds) all may cross with each other. Butternut, Buttercup, Banana, Hubbard and Turban squashes may cross with each other.
What temperature can Delicata squash tolerate? ›
Temperatures in the 32-50F range make squash languish with unhappiness. When temperatures are steadily above 90F, squash flowers may fail to set fruit. Typical North American summer highs of 70-85 with nighttime lows of 50-70 are perfect for squash.
Can you eat the peeling of Delicata squash? ›
Always: Acorn, Delicata, Honeynut
Wofford and our test kitchen editors will leave the skin on delicata, acorn, and honeynut squash to save time, add nutrients, and reduce food waste. These varieties have thin skins that soften readily when cooked. Next time you slice a delicata into rings ready to roast, don't peel it.
Can you grow delicata squash in a container? ›
In general, smaller winter squash varieties perform better in containers than larger squash. Acorn squash like 'Table Queen' and 'Honey Bear' work well, as does the 'Bush Delicata'.
Why is delicata squash so good? ›
Delicata squash is also brimming with antioxidant nutrients, like vitamin C. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy and can help prevent cell damage. In addition, vitamin C is used to make collagen, a protein that's crucial for maintaining strong skin.
Squash Substitute Number 1: Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a great alternative to delicata given its mild nutty flavor and mild sweetness. The yellowish flesh becomes tender and caramelizes well during roasting, much like delicata.
What is the most flavorful squash? ›
- 1 • Delicata / Sweet Dumpling. These are the most delectable of the pepo squashes, often much sweeter than their close cousins, the green acorns. ...
- 2 • Kabocha. ...
- 3 • Butternut. ...
- 4 • Acorn. ...
- 5 • Spaghetti. ...
- 6 • Buttercup. ...
- 7 • Hubbard.
You may want to experiment with different companion crops until you find the perfect combination to fit your personal tastes and growing conditions. Avoid planting zucchini and summer squash with all other vining plants which include cucumbers and sweet potatoes as well as pumpkins, winter squashes, and melons.
Is it better to grow squash on a trellis or on the ground? ›
Growing squash vertically prevents the unsightly discoloration on squash bottoms that often occurs when squash is allowed to sit directly on damp earth. Additionally, if you like growing long squash varieties, such as tromboncino squash, trellising them will allow you to produce straighter squash.
How many squash can you get from one plant? ›
how many squash do you get per plant? For butternut squash you can expect 5 or 6 fruits per plant through the growing season, for some larger squash and pumpkins you may only get 2 to 4.
Will a single squash plant produce? ›
The number of squash produced by a single plant can vary depending on several factors, including the variety of squash, growing conditions, and care provided. However, on average, a healthy and well-maintained squash plant can produce between 5 to 10 or more squash throughout its growing season.
How many pounds of squash will one plant produce? ›
Squash. If you're looking for a vegetable to plant in the summer, squash is definitely one to consider. Generally, squash plants grow between 5 and 25 pounds of produce, depending on what type of squash you plant. If you are planting squash, be sure to plant them between three and eight feet apart from one another.
Do squash plants keep producing? ›
Once it's planting time, you may want to make several "succession plantings." By planting seeds every two to three weeks until mid-summer, you can keep your squash harvest flowing until the winter frost.
