Friends have been gifting me with squash from their gardens. Somehow, I ended up with a few small butternuts, three acorns, one sweet dumpling, one buttercup, two delicata and one last zucchini.
The season for summer squash like zucchini, pattypan, crookneck and kousa is ending … but the season for winter squash is just beginning.
Cucumbers, gourds, melons and squash are all part of the large Cucurbitaceae family. A staple for 8,000 years in central and north America, squash is part of the “Three Sisters,” along with beans and corn. These foods comprise the three staples of the Native American diet.
8,000 years ago, squash, beans and corn were gathered from the wild and eaten with occasional game that was hunted. Later, Native Americans from the Mayas in Mexico and into north America began growing these crops. By the time Europeans arrived in the 1600s, cultivation was well established. The trio provides complete protein (from beans, corn and squash seeds) and all necessary nutrients.
All squash are used as one of the first foods for babies because they are so tender and delicate, and winter squash are a rich source of carbohydrates. All are also a good source of fiber and potassium. Yellow and orange squash varieties contain ample vitamin A. Winter squash have more starch — and thus more calories — than summer squash, which are mostly water. Winter squash takes longer to cook and become tender than do summer squash.
Main Dish Salad with Squash
(Provided photo — Yvona Fast)
Parsley, marjoram, dill, sage and basil are all good herbs for seasoning squash. Onions, garlic and mushrooms are other good additions. Cheese, eggs, pasta, beans and various meats from chicken to ground beef or sausage can all blend with squash in casseroles, skillets, soups, stews and stir-fries. Breads, muffins and pies can also be made with squash.
So what did I do with all that squash? I decided to combine winter and summer squash. I used a little cooked mashed acorn squash and some grated raw zucchini in oatmeal muffins. I made a salad and added roasted squash and sliced zucchini (instead of cucumber). I made a skillet for supper with squash, apples and sausage.
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Squash, Apple and Sausage Skillet
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Ingredients:
1 small butternut or medium delicata squash
2/3 cup penne pasta (or another pasta)
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1/4 to 1/2 lb. breakfast sausage or sweet Italian sausage
1 onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
2 – 3 ounces portobello mushrooms
1 clove garlic
1 medium zucchini squash
2 or 3 apples
2 – 3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 – 3 Tablespoons sharp Cheddar cheese
Fresh minced parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the squash: Cut in half lengthwise; remove seeds. Peel (not necessary, but it will make for …….
Source: https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/columns/2021/11/a-multitude-of-squash/
