A Squash for All Seasons

During the summers, when the sun is blazing and the temperature becomes unbearably hot, there is one excellent way to make it through, and that is by making yourself a refreshing glass of squash. Not many people are aware that there is a huge variety of squash that could be made, including pumpkin and zucchini, etc. All squash types are basically derived from fruits. Not only are they packed with freshness but healthy nutrients as well. Therefore, let us discover the different varieties of squash to serve our taste buds with the best tastes out there. 

Butternut Squash

Perhaps the most popular type of squash is the Butternut Squash. It is also known as Gramma or Butternut pumpkin in New Zealand and Australia. It is a winter squash that grows on the vine. Even though Butternut squash is treated as a fruit when it comes to cooking and preparation, but in reality, it is a vegetable. Butternut squash consists of fiber and Vitamins A, E, C, and B. If you are worried about the intake of your child, you can feed this to him/her as it is a powerhouse full of zinc, magnesium, and calcium as well.

Kabocha Squash

If you are someone who prefers a little more sweetness, then Kabocha squash will appeal to you more than the Butternut squash. It is a squash mostly found in Japan and features a taste between a sweet pumpkin and a potato. Kabocha squash consists of a great deal of beta-carotene, which can be used with almost every meal. If you want to eat Kabocha squash for breakfast, the best combination would be a fried egg with a Kabocha squash sandwich. However, if you want to take it for lunch, then chai oatmeal with spiced Kabocha swirl will do the trick. It is both delicious and easy to prepare. 

Spaghetti Squash

It is hard to find someone who is not obsessed with Italians. Whatever they produce, discover, or make, it is nothing less than an art. The same goes for food. Spaghetti not necessarily includes pasta but instead is an alternative that is low on the carb to a pasta dish. Spaghetti squash is a vegetable type that is produced or harvested during fall. 

It is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. Although it does not taste the same as traditional pasta in terms of texture and flavor, it happens to be an excellent substitute. The only struggle is finding it in your local store. 

Acorn Squash

Originating from North and Central America, the Acorn squash is considered a winter squash even though it comes from the same species that are considered as summer squashes. Opposed to Spaghetti squash, the ingredients for Acorn squash are both easy to purchase and grow. 

A famous meal that is prepared using Acorn is the Acorn soup. From a health perspective, it is an excellent source of dietary fiber and potassium. If you want to make things a bit sweeter, you can add maple syrup to your squash. Therefore, get yourself some Acorn and treat yourself with a healthy drink. 

Sweet Dumpling Squash

Sweet dumpling is a good example of ‘Good things come in small packages.’ Although it is a bit harder to peel, but it is a perfect companion to dried fruit, cheese, and nuts. Most people are not aware of the sweet dumpling squash as it is not as popular as other varieties of squash.

However, once it is discovered, it is bound to become your favorite. The sweet dumpling cannot only be used for making squash but can also be cooked as well, and it should be made sure that the rind is a piece that the steam could escape during the cooking process. 

Zucchini Squash

Zucchini squash is definitely one of the darlings of the summer season. It is one of the most popular squashes and is easily available. It will grow and flourish under almost any circumstance and will produce a huge bounty from just one plant. It is used in summer stews, pasta, soups, salads, etc. it is one of the most versatile varieties.

Butternut Squash Seeds

The butternut squash seeds are very easy to cultivate and will turn into a plant that promises squash seeds for a lifetime. This is an excellent source for someone who loves planting. It has a high germination rate and could be grown in farms, gardens, and homes etc. 

Key Features:

  • Easy to grow
  • High-germination rate
  • Excellent source of butternut seeds

Kabocha Seeds

Kabocha seeds are normally planted before the last frost of the winter/spring season. Start by planting seeds indoors 4 weeks before the season. When you are planting the seeds, make sure that teapots are used that can be directly planted into the ground along with the seed. And, since Kabocha plants are not bothered by transplantation, it is sure that the roots will be minimally disturbed.

Key Features:

  • Are planted during winter/spring season
  • Should not be planted in containers
  • Attracts pests 

Spaghetti Winter Squash

This spaghetti winter squash is offered by Seeds of Change, and holds Amazon’s Choice of approval. These are 100% organic spaghetti seeds that could be grown in your house, farms, and gardens, etc. Furthermore, they are pesticide-free and non-GMO along with being moisture-proof so that the seeds can remain viable for up to 5 years. 

Key Features

  • `100% organic seeds
  • Amazon’s Choice
  • Pesticide-free & moisture-proof

Acorn Squash Seeds

Acorn squash is American’s favorite during the fall season, and you can easily find it at your local stores. If you keep them tucked in a dark, cool, and dry storage space, they shall remain fresh for months. Planting Acorn squash seeds is relatively easy but requires time. Therefore, you will need to be patient.

Key Features:

  • Easy to plant
  • Store in a cool, dark, and a dry place
  • The growing process lasts 70 to 90 days.

Zucchini Squash

The zucchini squash features a great taste with an old fashioned flavor. Compared to most of the squash types, zucchini is probably the easiest to grow. It is a plant that produces a huge bounty and is considered as one of the top-yielding plants. Unfortunately, you will come across many sellers selling counterfeit seeds. Therefore, make sure that you opt for original and the best seeds out there.

Key Features:

  • Excellent producer
  • Great taste
  • One of the top-yielding plant

Final Word

The above-mentioned squash types are some of the most popular squashes that you could grow on your own. Since they will be homegrown, there will be no preservatives, and artificial flavors added that might be potentially harmful to health. However, you might want to keep the pests and squirrels away.