It’s finally squash season!
The quality and price of the local winter squashes — both conventional and organic — that we’ve been receiving are superb. We generally have Butternut, Spaghetti, Acorn, and Kabocha, but we’ve also been able to more regularly carry Delicata this season.
Butternut Squash is one of the most popular winter squashes, known for its long, bell-like shape and smooth tan skin. Inside it has deep orange flesh that becomes sweet and nutty when roasted. It’s perfect for soups, purees, and roasting. Its naturally creamy texture also makes it a great substitute for sweet potatoes in many recipes.
Spaghetti Squash is famous for its unique stringy flesh that separates into noodle-like strands once cooked. With a mild, slightly sweet flavour, it’s often used as a low-carb alternative to pasta. Simply roast or microwave it, scrape out the strands with a fork, and top with your favourite sauce or use in casseroles.
Acorn Squash is small, round, and ribbed, with dark green skin sometimes accented with orange patches. Its flesh is golden-yellow and slightly sweet, making it ideal for baking, roasting, or stuffing. Often cooked in halves, acorn squash pairs beautifully with maple syrup, brown sugar, or savoury fillings like rice, sausage, or vegetables.
Kabocha Squash, sometimes called Japanese pumpkin, has thick green skin and dense, bright orange flesh. Its flavour is rich, sweet, and chestnut-like, with a creamy texture that holds up well in soups, tempura, and curries. Especially beloved in Asian cuisines, Kabocha is high in beta-carotene and fibre.
Delicata Squash is an oblong, cream-coloured squash with green or orange stripes. Unlike many winter squashes, its thin skin is edible, making it easy to prepare and enjoy without peeling. With a sweet, nutty flavour reminiscent of sweet potatoes, Delicata is delicious roasted in rings, stuffed, or air-fried for a quick side dish.
All of these are available for $1.69/lb in our Produce Department.