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winter squash
Scientific Name: Cucurbita maxima
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Winter Squash: A Versatile Autumn Delight
Winter squash, a staple of fall and winter cuisine, encompasses various squash species within the genus Cucurbita. Unlike their summer counterparts, winter squash are harvested at maturity, boasting hardened rinds and fully developed seeds.
Considerations for Children
- Winter squash come in many sizes and shapes, but all have hard outer rinds.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Winter squash, Butternut squash, Acorn squash, Pumpkin, Spaghetti squash
- Scientific Names: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Genus: Cucurbita
- Cultivars may belong to one of several species within the Cucurbita genus.
Distribution and Habitat
- Winter squash is a warm-season vegetable that can be grown in most of the country.
- Michigan-grown winter squash is available.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Winter squash come in many sizes and shapes, but all have hard outer rinds that surround sweet, often orange flesh.
- If you have ten acres of garden, you won't mind if winter squash vines sprawl 8 ft. in every direction. But if you have a small backyard garden, you can't afford to.
Ecological Role
- The terms pumpkin and squash can be confusing.
Quirky Facts
- The name "Squash" is actually taken from a Massachusetts Indian word, askutasquash.
- Butternut squash wasn't introduced commercially until 1944.
Culinary Uses and Characteristics
- Winter squash are some of the most delicious and versatile ingredients of the season.
- Winter squash are harvested in autumn when they are hard and ripe, and most varieties can be stored and enjoyed for use through the winter.
- Butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and pumpkins rarely have a pristine appearance, but as they cook, they become sweet and rich on the palate.
- Whether roasted, pureed, or sautéed, winter squash can be prepared in endless different ways.
- Traditional Thanksgiving flavors (squash, cinnamon, butter) are given a beautiful twist.
- Butternut squash is the most popular winter squash variety grown across American regions.
Nutritional Information
- Winter squash has long been recognized as an important food source of carotenoids.
- Butternut squash contains highest levels of vitamin A and carotenes.