Acorn squash

Acorn squash
Acorn squash

Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo), also called pepper squash[1] or Des Moines squash,[2] is a winter squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. Although considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes (including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash).

The most common variety is dark green in color, often with a single splotch of orange on the side or top. However, newer varieties have arisen including Golden Acorn, for its glowing yellow colour, and some that are white. They can also be variegated (multi-colored).[3] As the name suggests, its shape resembles that of an acorn. Acorn squashes typically weigh one to two pounds and are between four and seven inches long.[2] Acorn squash is good and hardy to save throughout the winter in storage, keeping several months in a cool dry location such as a cold cellar.

Acorn squash is very 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. As with other squash varieties, the acorn squash produces yellow trumpet flowers which are also edible. The stem has a prickly feel, so be careful when handling the plant. Roughly 85 days after germinating, acorn squash are ready to be harvested. Curing takes a week to ten days in a sheltered area outside, or a warm dry place like a dry storage space, protected from frost.

Acorn squash is most commonly baked, but can also be microwaved, sauteed or steamed. It may be stuffed with rice, meat or vegetable mixtures.[3] 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, the squash was introduced to early European settlers by Native Americans.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Growing winter squash". August 2011. Weekend Gardener. http://www.weekendgardener.net/vegetables/squash-winter.htm. Retrieved 14 August 2011. 
  2. ^ a b Mariani, John F (1999). Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink. Lebhar-Friedman Books. p. 2. ISBN 0867307846. 
  3. ^ a b c Zeldes, Leah A. (2010-10-20). "Eat this! Acorn squash, made for stuffing". Dining Chicago. Chicago's Restaurant & Entertainment Guide, Inc.. http://www.diningchicago.com/blog/2010/10/20/eat-this-acorn-squash-made-for-stuffing/. Retrieved 2010=11-17. 

External links

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • acorn squash — acorn ,squash noun count AMERICAN a small round SQUASH (=a hard smooth vegetable), usually orange or yellow, in the shape of an acorn …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • acorn squash — ☆ acorn squash n. a kind of winter squash, acorn shaped with ridged, dark green skin and sweet, yellow flesh …   English World dictionary

  • acorn squash — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms acorn squash : singular acorn squash plural acorn squashes a small round squash (= a hard smooth vegetable), usually orange or yellow, in the shape of an acorn …   English dictionary

  • acorn squash — paprastojo aguročio kiaušininis porūšis statusas T sritis vardynas apibrėžtis Moliūginių šeimos dekoratyvinis, vaisinis kultūrinis augalas (Cucurbita pepo subsp. ovifera). atitikmenys: lot. Cucurbita melopepo; Cucurbita ovifera; Cucurbita pepo… …   Lithuanian dictionary (lietuvių žodynas)

  • acorn squash — paprastojo aguročio kiaušininio porūšio kiaušininis varietetas statusas T sritis vardynas apibrėžtis Moliūginių šeimos dekoratyvinis, vaisinis kultūrinis augalas (Cucurbita pepo subsp. ovifera var. ovifera). atitikmenys: lot. Cucurbita pepo subsp …   Lithuanian dictionary (lietuvių žodynas)

  • acorn squash — noun 1. squash plant bearing small acorn shaped fruits having yellow flesh and dark green or yellow rind with longitudinal ridges • Hypernyms: ↑winter squash, ↑winter squash plant 2. small dark green or yellow ribbed squash with yellow to orange… …   Useful english dictionary

  • acorn squash — noun Date: 1937 an acorn shaped dark green winter squash (Cucurbita pepo) with a ridged surface and mildly sweet yellow to orange flesh …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • acorn squash — an acorn shaped variety of winter squash, growing to 18 in. (46 cm) long and 14 in. (36 cm) in diameter, having a dark green to orange yellow skin and yellow to orange flesh. [1935 40] * * * …   Universalium

  • acorn squash — a′corn squash n. pln a variety of winter squash having dark green to orange yellow ridged skin and deep yellow flesh • Etymology: 1935–40 …   From formal English to slang

  • acorn squash — noun Any of several varieties of a plant, Cucurbita pepo, being a dark green winter squash having yellow to orange fresh …   Wiktionary

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