As warm air turns decidedly crisper and we trade sandals and short sleeves for breezy scarves and cardigans, thoughts invariably turn away from cool, light summer dishes toward fall’s gastronomic bounty: hearty soups, casseroles, and roasts. And at the base of many of these favorite autumn dishes are winter squashes, which, despite their descriptive name, actually come into season around October. So what better time to explore the different varietals popping up at markets all over the country? All winter squashes are nutritional powerhouses, boasting iron, fiber, beta carotene, and a plethora of other beneficial components. What’s more, they’re delicious and can suit a variety of tastes—once you learn the flavor and texture differences between them.
Acorn
Photo source: janeyhenning (cc)
Acorns, other than being acorn-shaped, range in color from dark green to orange with flecks of white. This type of squash is sweeter than others (you can tell how sweet it is based on how dark the orange flesh is) and is similar in taste to butternut squash. It’s best stuffed and/or baked, and it pairs well with other nutty, hearty flavors.
Recipe to try: Healthy Thanksgiving Side: Acorn Squash, Crimini, Pine Nuts, and Feta
Buttercup
Photo source: neotint (cc)
This rotund, rather squat squash looks like the green, splotchy cousin of the common pumpkin. But if you cut the top off and scoop out the insides, you’ve got a fun, seasonal bowl for stuffings, pilafs, and other grain dishes. Just don’t bake buttercups for too long, as they tend to be on the dry side already.
Recipe to try: Four Low-Calorie Squash Recipes
Butternut
Photo source: Forest & Kim Starr
It looks like a large peanut or pinto bean with its elongated shape and beige skin, but the flavor of a butternut squash is so much more complex than that. The vibrant orange flesh yields a rich, buttery taste and works perfectly when pureed in soups, cubed in casseroles, or simply roasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Recipe to try: Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter
