Winter Squash - Part 2

What follows are more pictures of the various winter squash that Z Food Farm sold at market this season.

Kabocha (green)- Has an exceptional naturally sweet flavor; even sweeter than butternut squash. Flesh is smooth, and good for baking, mashing, and pies.

Spaghetti Squash- These were a huge favorite this season. They can be baked either whole or cut in half prior to cooking (if cut, place face down in a baking dish with enough water to come 1/2 inch up the sides of the baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45 minutes. Turn squash over and cover with foil and bake for another 15 minutes). They can be boiled (Boil for half hour or so, depending on size. Pierce with a sharp knife.). And they can be microwaved (about 10-12 minutes then let stand 5 minutes. If using microwave make sure to pierce the flesh; like you would if you were baking or micro waving a potato).

Honey Nut- Tastes very similar to a butternut squash but is slightly sweeter. Great for those who want a smaller or individualized portion.

Acorn- Fibrous texture but with a nutty-sweet flavor.

Delicata- Very creamy flesh. Light and bright tasting. Excellent for stuffing and baking. Actually, most winter squash are excellent for a wide variety of dishes.

Kabocha (orange)- Basically, the same as the green kabocha above. Since all winter squash are able to be kept for a goodly amount of time, having both colors, and different varieties, makes for attractive decoration throughout the holiday season.

Sugar Dumplings- Think of them as round delicata. Nice sweet flesh.

Jack-O-Lanterns- One customer hollowed out the flesh and, using a Martha Stewart recipe, filled the cavity with broth and other goodies, put the whole thing in the oven and baked. The customer told us that the resulting soup was delicious.

Foreground- Pennsylvania Dutch Crook Neck- A popular 19th century Pennsylvania variety that is still grown in many Amish communities. Sometimes called "Neck Pumpkin" because of its long, flesh-filled neck. It kind of resembles a giant butternut squash with a very long neck; they can reach 20 lbs in size! The flesh is superb, being deep orange and richly flavored, making it so popular with Amish wives for making their delectable pumpkin pies, butters and other desserts. A favorite of ours and a good keeper. (Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds).
Background- Dill's Atlantic Giant- The world's largest pumpkin variety!! One of David's topped out at about 80 pounds. The world record is slightly more than 2,000 pounds!!!! It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown. Go to http://www.howarddill.com/ for more information about the amazing pumpkin.

Part of the display at the New Amsterdam Market.

Part of the display at the Rittenhouse Square Market.

Well, that's it for winter squash. Happy and healthy holiday season to one and all. May the coming year be full of fun eating! Peace, good health, and hopefulness to all.