17 Delicata Squash Recipes to Get you Through Winter (2024)

FAQs

How to store delicata squash long term? ›

Storage tips: Winter Squash is best stored between 55-65 degrees, however, Delicata squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like Acorn and Butternut. Place in a cool dry room in your house (do not refrigerate) and it should last 3 months.

When is delicata squash in season? Delicata squash is available in the fall up until early winter.

HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully.

Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.

You'll see best storage results when you stash squash in a cool, dry spot. For most winter squash, store at 50º to 55º F with relative humidity of 60 to 70 percent. The one exception, again, is Acorn squash, which should be kept at temperatures less than 55. Higher temperatures cause the flesh to become stringy.

"Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste. If too much of the toxin is consumed it can cause illness. It is rare, but if the squash has a bitter taste, stop eating it, and grab another one."

Aim to have no more than 4 or 5 fruit developing on each vine. Any more and you may find the flavor is lacking come harvest time. Many growers find squash to be very unruly plants.

The skin of these is also edible, and while we thoroughly enjoy it, it is a matter of taste. About: Butternut squash have the longest storage potential and best flavor after a few months in storage.

You can also store delicata squash in the freezer for three to six months. This is a great way to prolong squash season! To freeze delicata squash, dice it into cubes, then spread them out on a baking sheet.

Although this squash has been around for centuries, It started gaining popularity only a few years ago. It was rare to find it on the shelves of grocery stores or in many restaurants. This is actually because delicata squash was once prone to mildew diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

How do you start winter squash? ›

Direct-sow (i.e., plant seeds directly in the ground) when all danger of frost has passed and the soil is at least 60°F, preferably 70°F. Squash is very sensitive to the cold. If you have a short growing season, start seeds in peat pots 2 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date.

One serving of winter squash (about a heaping cup's worth) gets you nearly 10% of your daily value for potassium. Delicata squash is also brimming with antioxidant nutrients, like vitamin C. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy and can help prevent cell damage.

It should store well for several weeks on your kitchen counter if it isn't bruised or cut. Do not refrigerate. To store delicata squash that has been cut open, place the squash in an air tight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

For squash storage, one should maintain a temperature range of 50-55°F (10-13°C) with a relative humidity of 50-70% to prolong its shelf life.

Store fresh squash in the refrigerator crisper in plastic storage bags or rigid containers to retain moisture. Stored in this manner, squash will maintain quality for 5-7 days. Avoid storing fresh squash in areas that might freeze.