We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Delicata Squash?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,429
Share

One of the most prized winter squash varieties is the delicata squash, which is oblong and yellow in color, featuring an attractive green or green and orange-striped pattern. Several growers rescued the squash from obscurity in the early 1990s. It had been popular in the US in the late 19th century, but gradually fell out of favor because its skin is a little more delicate than other winter squash variants, making it harder to ship. Its reintroduction pleased winter squash lovers and its creamy texture and extraordinary sweetness earned it nicknames like the sweet potato squash.

Though people may be able to obtain the delicata squash many parts of the year, it’s usually considered a fall harvest vegetable, and thus is easiest to find and is freshest in the Western Hemisphere from late August through approximately November. It will keep for months, provided it is stored carefully. A thinner skin is still good protection for the squash, and is heartier than the skin on must summer squash variants.

Sizes of the delicata squash may vary, and oblong-shaped squash is about six to eight inches (15.24-20.32 cm) in length. This vegetable is relatively dense. People can expect weights of about one to two pounds (453.59-907.18 g). As with most winter squashes, the center of the squash has seeds and extra fibrous material that need to be scooped out before the squash is prepared.

There are numerous ways to prepare delicata squash. Baking and steaming are natural choices, and some people also utilize the microwave for quicker cooking. Though some people suggest the skin is edible, most people either peel it off or discard it.

The shape of the squash is perfect for any type of stuffed squash meal, and delicious dishes can be made with things like sausage and apple stuffing. The sweet taste of the squash is often considered without peer, and people may use delicata squash as a great substitute for things like pumpkin in pumpkin pie recipes. The dense texture is just as good as pumpkin or hubbard squash for this purpose.

The density of the squash also makes it an excellent alternative in any type of winter squash ravioli or soup, and the sweetness means people can eat it very plainly too, perhaps just baked or steamed and topped with a little butter. No matter how it is prepared, delicata squash is an excellent source of nutrition. It is high in vitamin A and vitamin C and relatively low in calories.

When searching for the delicata squash, shoppers are advised to make sure they get squash that truly is of this kind. The attractive look of the vegetable has led to production of a number of yellow striped squashes that are just as pretty but may be inferior in sweetness and density. Also, it's recommended to buy this squash in season because even though it can keep for a while, it may lose some of its quality over time.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-delicata-squash.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.