17 Delicata Squash Recipes to Get you Through Winter (2024)

FAQs

How to store delicata squash long term? ›

Storage tips: Winter Squash is best stored between 55-65 degrees, however, Delicata squash does not store quite as well as heartier varieties like Acorn and Butternut. Place in a cool dry room in your house (do not refrigerate) and it should last 3 months.

When is delicata squash in season? Delicata squash is available in the fall up until early winter.

HARVEST: Fruits are typically ready about 50-55 days after fruit set, and should be harvested before any hard frosts. Cut fruits from vines and handle carefully. Sun cure by exposing fruits for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping squash at 80-85°F/27-29°C with good air ventilation.

Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.

Pack the cooked squash into freezer bags and store the bags horizontally for the most efficient use of freezer space. Alternatively, pack the squash into upright freezer containers leaving one inch of headspace. Either way, measure the squash before freezing it and label clearly with the amount.

"Squash contains a toxin known as Cucurbitacin E, which can give the squash a bitter taste. If too much of the toxin is consumed it can cause illness. It is rare, but if the squash has a bitter taste, stop eating it, and grab another one."

Aim to have no more than 4 or 5 fruit developing on each vine. Any more and you may find the flavor is lacking come harvest time. Many growers find squash to be very unruly plants.

Ripe delicata squash is yellow in color with green stripes along ribs. It should be firm and heavier than you expect it to be. Avoid delicata squash that is light green (it's unripe) or ones with lots of off-color spots.

Just scoop the cooked squash into freezer bags, label, and place in your freezer to enjoy whenever you feel like partaking of this sweet, nutty vegetable. Delectable delicata, a winter squash by any other name would not taste as sweet!

One serving of winter squash (about a heaping cup's worth) gets you nearly 10% of your daily value for potassium. Delicata squash is also brimming with antioxidant nutrients, like vitamin C. Vitamin C is a known antioxidant that helps keep cells healthy and can help prevent cell damage.

How long does cut delicata squash last in the fridge? ›

Because of its delicate, thin skin, delicata squash is not a great candidate for long-term storage like other winter squashes. Store it in a cool, dark place, but plan on using it within a few weeks. Once it's cut, cover it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 to 6 days.

For squash storage, one should maintain a temperature range of 50-55°F (10-13°C) with a relative humidity of 50-70% to prolong its shelf life.

Store fresh squash in the refrigerator crisper in plastic storage bags or rigid containers to retain moisture. Stored in this manner, squash will maintain quality for 5-7 days. Avoid storing fresh squash in areas that might freeze.

Depending on the type of pumpkin or squash, it should last 2 to 6 months when stored at the ideal temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit; a cool basem*nt can work well. Under ideal storage conditions, acorn squash can last up to 2 months, butternuts 2-to-3 months, and hubbarbs 5 to 6 months.