Cornucopias abound with the beautiful squash hues of autumn. Not only does this delectable category bring a splash of color to any table during the holidays, but it also offers innumerable uses. To quote the classic film, Forrest Gump, “...You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it.” While Bubba may have been talking about shrimp, the same goes for this staple seasonal veg. So, come with me and dive into the wonderful world of squash to see what you can offer your shoppers this winter...
CARNIVAL
Medium–Large
Flavor: Carnival is an acorn squash named for its beautiful color. The flesh of this squash is slightly nutty, buttery, and sweet
COLOR: Spotted with striped colors of orange, yellow, and green
RED KURI
Medium–Large
Flavor: Red Kuri has a rich, buttery flesh and savory flavor. The skin of this squash can be eaten, too
COLOR: Orange-red
TURKS TURBAN
Medium–Large
Flavor: Known as the nuttiest of the winter squash, its flavor is often compared to a hazelnut. Turks Turban is beautiful to eat and goes well in soups
COLOR: Orange-red with stripes of orange, white, and some green
KABOCHA
Medium
Flavor: Our favorite description we’ve heard for kabocha is a sweet potato crossed with a pumpkin, then sprinkled with nuttiness
COLOR: Dull finish with dark green skin and bright yellow-orange flesh
CHAYOTE
Medium
Flavor: The flesh has a fairly bland taste. The texture is described as a cross between a potato and a cucumber
COLOR: Similar to a green pear with thin, green skin fused with the green to white flesh
BUTTERNUT
Medium
Flavor: Butternut squash has a similar taste profile to a sweet potato, but is not as sweet. It works well in savory or sweet dishes
COLOR: Tan-colored exterior with bright, orange flesh
DELICATA
Medium
Flavor: This is the sweet potato of the winter squash world. You can eat the skin when sautéed, as it is softer than the other squashes. The flesh is very sweet
COLOR: Yellow and green stripes
PATTY PAN/SCALLOP
Small–Medium
Flavor: This small squash has a delicate, buttery, and olive oil-like flavor. The less ripe the squash, the more tender its flesh will be
COLOR: Ranges from yellow, green,
and white
SPAGHETTI
Medium–Large
Flavor: Spaghetti squash has a very mild flavor and is not sweet like many other winter squashes. It is known for its stringy, pasta-like threads
COLOR: Ranges from pale to bright yellow
YELLOW ZUCCHINI
Small
Flavor: Fresh and buttery
COLOR: Glossy skin that can vary from light butter yellow to a bright lemon yellow
ZUCCHINI
Small
Flavor: Mild, but will take on any flavor it’s cooked with
COLOR: Deep green skin and soft
white flesh
GREY ZUCCHINI
Small
Flavor: This summer squash has a less dramatic visual appeal with a buttery texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor
COLOR: Pale green skin is smooth and shiny with solid, crisp flesh
HUBBARD
Medium–Large
Flavor: This winter squash’s orange flesh is sweet with a fine grain texture
COLOR: Ranges from gray, blue, dark green, orange, or golden
ACORN/DANISH
Small–Large
Flavor: Acorn squash has a sweet, nutty flavor
COLOR: Dark green
PUMPKIN
Small–Large*
Flavor: Pumpkins offer a range of eating experiences from sugary or starchy, and their texture can range from string-less to velvety and dense
COLOR: Ranges from traditional pumpkin orange to a deep, rich orange
*Depends on the variety
Sub-varieties include: Jack Sprat, Cannon Ball, Little Giant, and Mischief
Source: The Snack and AndNowUKnow Squash Grower Contributors
