Eat more squash
alive Editorial
Incorporate more squash into your meals this winter to up your antioxidant intake.
As the weather cools and our barbecues are once again retired for the season, we turn to stove-top soups and stews and roasted winter veggies to warm our bellies. And what better ingredient to star in these dishes than squash?
Types of squash
Up your antioxidant intake this winter with more squash, such as the five varieties detailed below.
| Type | Looks like | Tastes like | Use in |
| acorn squash | large green acorn, about 6 in (18 cm) in diameter; flesh is a deep yellow or orange | sweet with a nutty flavour | baked with brown sugar or honey; baked, stuffed with a variety of ingredients |
| banana squash | long oblong shape with light yellow skin and golden flesh; grows quite large so often sold in pieces | sweet yet mild; has high water content | baked, pureed, or steamed, seasoned with fresh herbs; used as a base for soup |
| butternut squash | long bell shape with pale skin and orange flesh | sweet with a nutty flavour | steamed, boiled, roasted, or baked; incorporated into soups, stews, casseroles, and even baked goods such as muffins |
| kabocha squash | pumpkin shape with green skin and yellow flesh | rich, sweet flavour | steamed or pureed; baked, stuffed with a variety of ingredients; incorporated into soups or stews; an excellent replacement for pumpkin or sweet potatoes |
| spaghetti squash | ovular shape with light yellow skin and flesh that when cooked resembles spaghetti strands | mild, neutral flavour | steamed, baked, or boiled, tossed with fresh herbs and butter; used in lieu of pasta, smothered in cream or tomato-based sauces |
How to choose squash
Although different varieties of squash vary in appearance, the following tips will ensure you bring home a ripe, healthy squash, regardless of type.
- choose squash that feels heavy for its size
- ensure the stem is firm, dry, and free of rot
- look for squash that has rich, dark colouring
- avoid squash with shiny skin, which suggests it was picked too early
- choose those without cuts, bruises, or soft spots
Do you have a favourite way of preparing winter squash? Share it with us!
Nancy Hillis
Michelle von Hahn
Alexa Everett
Laura Bolt