Delicata squash

Delicata squash

Delicata squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a winter squash with distinctive longitudinal dark green stripes on a yellow or cream colored background and sweet, orange-yellow flesh. It is also known as the peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash (because of the flavor similarity to the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)). Although considered a winter squash, delicata squash belongs to the same species as all types of summer squash (including pattypan squash, zucchini and yellow crookneck squash).

The standard delicata is vinous; however, bush varieties have arisen including Bush Delicata. Delicata squashes do not store particularly well.^[1]

Delicata squash are easily grown. Seeds are started after all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm or within 3–4 weeks before the predicted last frost date in the area. Seeds directly sown are placed one inch deep, 5-6 to a hill; hills are 6 feet in all direction from other hills. Roughly 105 days after germinating, delicata squash are ready to be harvested. Curing takes approximately a week in a warm dry place such as a garage, protected from frost.

Delicata squash is most commonly baked, but can also be microwaved, sautéed or steamed. It may be stuffed with meat or vegetable mixtures. The seeds of the squash are also eaten, usually after being toasted. This squash is not as rich in beta-carotene as other winter squashes, but is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins C and B, magnesium, and manganese.

Indigenous to North and Central America, squash were introduced to early European settlers by Native Americans.

References

1. ^ [http:// http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_9b51.html "Cucurbita pepo ( Delicata Squash )"]. backyardgardener.com. 2010-11-18. http:// http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_9b51.html. Retrieved 2010=11-18. 

External links

• Vegetarians in Paradise, Squashes Star in a Famous Sister Act [1]