Fall season is in full swing! Whether you are taking time to go apple picking, rake leaves, watch endless amount of football- I do hope you take the time to enjoy another delicious treat, squash!
During the fall, winter squash is starting to begin to harvest. Known for their rough, rigid exterior, winter squash can be enjoyed by steaming, baking or stuffing. Examples of winter squash are: butternut, acorn, buttercup, carnival, pumpkin, delicate, and spaghetti. Squash is a great source of vitamin A, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Additionally, although squash is known for being a carbohydrate, winter squash are high in polysaccharides which can actually help regulate blood sugar. Important for those with diabetes or know they have high levels of blood glucose.
As stated above, winter squash can be enjoyed steamed, baked, or stuffed. To steam your squash simply cut your squash in half, scoop out the seeds, peel off the rough skin, cut into ¼ – ½” pieces, and place in your steamer. Should take around 7 – 10 minutes.
(p.s. Don’t throw out the seeds! Roasting squash seeds with spices can be a great salad topper, enjoyed inside homemade trail mix, or on their own!)
My favorite way to enjoy squash is by roasting. One squash that I encourage everyone to try is delicata squash. Very easy to prepare and you can even keep the skin on!
ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH
Directions:
- Prepare Oven to 425 and spray/grease baking sheet
- Slice the squash length wise, scoop out the seeds, and cut in ¼” which will look like half moons
- Drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite spices, for example, turmeric, garlic salt, or cumin
- Bake for 12 minutes on each side
- Enjoy!
