Winter Squash

donna

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
Forum Host
Joined
May 12, 2010
Location
Now Florida but always a Kentuckian
It is that time of year to think about squash. Here are some interesting facts or trivia on winter squash.

The word squash comes from the 12 letter Narragansett Indian word "askutasquash" meaning "food eaten raw. However, winter squash is almost never eaten raw.

Typically harvested in autumn mature winter squash are ready for harvest in 80 to 100 days after planting.

California leads the nation in total squash production, with an impressive 20 percent of the country's squash crop. Florida, Michigan and Georgia round out the top four.

Squash seeds dating back to 8000B.C. have been found in Mexico, making this one of the oldest cultivated crops in the Western Hemisphere.

One serving of cooked winter squash provides 6 grams of fiber. It's also an excellent source of vitamins A and C and a good source of potassium.

A large hard-rind winter squash can be stored for up to about 180 days in a cool place, between 50 to 55 degrees. At room temperature, it can be stored for two to three months.


A buttercup, considered sweeter than other winter squash and my personal favorite, can be stored as long as three months in a cool, dry place.

Of the many varieties of winter squash, five of the most commonly grown in the U.S. are acorn, butternut, buttercup, Hubbard and spaghetti.

From magazine "Birds & Blooms".
 
Back
Top