Winter Squash season is upon! One of our amazing and talented volunteers, Rohini Vieth, put together fact cards about all the different kinds of winter squash we grew at Gathering Ground this year. “I was amazing to learn how good squash is for you,” said Rohini. “I always thought it was high in sugar, but it’s not.” So many of the squash are rich in a variety of vitamins and fiber. Better yet, they can be prepared in so many different ways. Keep reading to learn more! And be sure to check out our post on recipes for these tasty treats! 

Butternut squash

• High in vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, magnesium, and fiber
• Significant health benefits. Supports vision due to high beta-carotene content, boosts immunity, promotes healthy digestion, maintains healthy skin, and can help manage blood pressure
• Low-calorie and low-fat content 
• It’s sweet and creamy texture is perfect for roasting, soup, or spiraling into pasta alternatives

Delicata Squash

• Provides fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, which support eye health, digestion, and immunity
• Low in calories and naturally gluten-free 
• It’s soft skin is edible when cooked 
• It’s sweet and creamy orange flesh has  a nutty flavor reminiscent of sweet potato and corn 
• It is a healthy and versatile ingredient for roasting, stuffing, and other culinary uses 

Acorn Squash 

• low in fat and calories.
• rich in vitamins A and C, B vitamins, fiber, potassium
• rich in antioxidants which support eye health, boosts the immune system, aids digestion, and helps reduce inflammation and blood pressure
• pairs well with both savory and sweet ingredients

Buttercup squash

• Rich in vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C, and fiber
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting vision, immune health, digestion, and bone strength
• Dense, creamy orange flesh with a sweet, mild flavor akin to sweet potatoes or chestnuts 
• Suitable for baking, roasting, and incorporating into soups, curries, and other dishes

Kabocha Squash

• Good for boosting your immune system,
  improving eye and skin health, aiding in
  digestion, regulating blood sugar, and
  supporting heart health.
• It provides high levels of essential
  nutrients like beta-carotene (vitamin A),
  vitamin C, fiber, and iron, while being low
  in calories.
• Sweet, creamy flavor
• It’s edible skin make it a versatile
  ingredient for both sweet and savory
  dishes, such as soups, curries, and
  purees.

Hubbard Squash 

• an excellent source of Vitamin A, C, antioxidant properties, beneficial for vision, skin, and immunity
• good source of potassium, which supports heart health, and  minerals such as magnesium and manganese
•  provides dietary fiber for digestion
•  it has hard, thick skin and tender, golden-orange flesh, offering a rich, sweet, and mealy taste
• can be used for making soup, stews, squash pies, pasta sauces or salads