30 Delicata Squash Recipes to Try This Fall (Because Butternut Is Old News) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between butternut squash and delicata squash? ›

Its flavor is not as rich as the butternut, but is still quite sweet. The delicata squash has a moist, creamy yellow flesh that tastes and smells like a blend of corn, butternut squash and sweet potato.

Delicata squash also has a ton of potassium: One cup delivers a whopping 500mg of the mineral, which can help control your blood pressure. As with many varieties of squash, it's also full of vitamin C, which plays a role in the growth and repair of body proteins.

Pumpkin, acorn squash, or delicata squash can all be substituted for butternut. So can my favorite, kabocha.

You'll know delicata squash has gone bad if it has wrinkles or soft spots. Also, if the seeds look slimy or their color is off, you'll know it's spoiled. The seeds are normally a cream or white color. Typically, they'll be covered in the flesh of the squash.

Toxic squash syndrome can result from continuing to eat the bitter fruit. Some of the most rampant symptoms and indicators of toxic squash syndrome include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Toxic squash syndrome can be so severe that it can cause swelling in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.

Squash Substitute Number 1: Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a great alternative to delicata given its mild nutty flavor and mild sweetness. The yellowish flesh becomes tender and caramelizes well during roasting, much like delicata.

Delicata squash skin

The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.

Boost the delicious Delicata squash's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating benefits with two powerful super foods!

“The skin of the delicata squash can be delicious, especially when you first steam or slow roast at a lower temperature to start off until the flesh of the squash becomes soft and tender, and then turn up the heat until the skin caramelizes and is charred crisp,” says chef Marcel Vigneron.

It is also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash.

What is a cross between delicata squash? ›

Stripetti squash is a cross between a delicata and a spaghetti squash and has the hard skin of spaghetti squash and the sweet-tasting flesh of delicata squash.

Delicata Squash Defining Qualities & History

It was rare to find it on the shelves of grocery stores or in many restaurants. This is actually because delicata squash was once prone to mildew diseases in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Likewise, if the flesh and seeds of the fruit are mushy and slimy, that's a clear sign that it shouldn't be eaten. Color - the outer skin of the squash is a quick way to check for any sign of spoilage.

Keep your eye out for any brown spots or blemishes; these can indicate the start of spoiling. Any soft spots or slimy areas are also a sign that your squash has gone bad. Old squash tends to have soft flesh, leathery skin, and a hollow feel. And, of course, any spots of mold mean it's time to toss your squash.

If the stem has been broken or removed at harvest the area may ooze liquid the color of brown sugar. This is OK as long as the squash seems fresh and there's no softening of the flesh. When: Delicata is a prolific variety and tends to hold well in storage.

1 • Delicata / Sweet Dumpling

These are the most delectable of the pepo squashes, often much sweeter than their close cousins, the green acorns. Delicatas in particular are wonderful to eat because they have very thin, edible skin when cooked; you don't have to bother with peeling them.

What does delicata squash taste like? The slightly chewy edible peel is a great contrast to the sweet, velvety flesh, which tastes like a cross between butternut squash and sweet potato.