Provident Farm

Provident Organic Farm
prov‧i‧dent [prŏv'ĭ-dənt, -dĕnt] adj, providing carefully for future needs and events		Join CSA Contact Us
Home About CSA's How it Works Produce & Recipes Pick-Up Locations News & Events Join CSA Meet the Farmer Farm Location Volunteer Medora Harvest Fund Contact Us Member Comments	You are here: Home > Produce & Recipes > Winter Squash Produce & Recipes c Winter Squash Winter Squash have thick skin, a hollow inner cavity containing hard seeds, and very dense flesh requiring a longer cooking time than summer squash. The skin on winter squash is not edible and the squash must be cooked before eaten. They are picked when fully ripe, unlike summer squash that are picked before fully ripe. Winter squash are drier and have a sweeter taste than summer squash. The skin on winter squash is hard and must be removed before eating the squash. They are low in sodium, a good source of vitamin A, and high in fiber. Select squash that have dull-colored skin, firm shells, and are heavy for their size. Smooth, shiny skin is an indication that the squash is not ripe. Avoid squash with damaged spots or that are cracked. If purchasing a cut squash, select a piece with darker flesh, which is an indication that it is nicely ripened. Storage Tips Most varieties of winter squash can be stored for several months if kept in a cool, dry, dark location. If exposed to temperatures below 50°F, they will suffer damage, and if it exposed to excessive heat, the squash will begin to convert their starches to quickly. It is best to store the squash with part of the stem still attached to help hold the moisture in and they should not be wrapped when stored, unless they have been cut open. Then they should be wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. A cooked squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or it can be placed in the freezer for longer storage. Usage Tips Winter squash are often cooked and eaten on their own simply with salt and butter added. They also go well with other seasonings, such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Some winter squash are sweetened by adding brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey. Winter squash can be added to soups, stews, curries, casseroles, and other dishes. They can be mixed with other vegetables and be used to replace sweet potatoes in most recipes. Winter squash are also used in pies, muffins, cakes, puddings, and other desserts. Winter Squash Recipes Winter Squash Varieties Winter squash comes in shapes round and elongated, scalloped and pear-shaped with flesh that ranges from golden-yellow to brilliant orange. Most winter squashes are vine-type plants whose fruits are harvested when fully mature. They take longer to mature than summer squash (3 months or more) and are best harvested once the cool weather of fall sets in. They can be stored for months in a cool basement-hence the name "winter" squash. Winter Squash Preparation Basic Preparation Cutting Large Winter Squash Cutting Medium to Small Winter Squash Peeling Winter Squash Cooking Winter Squash Boiled Steamed Baked Microwaved Grilled

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