Mother Nature provides for us when we eat with the seasons. Seasonal eating means choosing food that is grown and harvested at a specific season that is in natural rhythm with nature’s cycles. Winter Squash are in season right now on our farm and these nutrient dense vegetables not only provide amazing nourishment, they also can brighten up cold-weather meals. Winter squash have been harvested on our farm during the Fall and many will store and keep through the Winter. More firm in texture than Summer Squash Winter squash tend to impart a sweeter and flavorful  texture that can be transformed into so many unique and wholesome warming winter dishes. 

Rich in Vitamin A, B6, C, E, these naturally low fat vegetables can easily be incorporated into a variety of seasonal dishes. Try roasting them, baking, stuffing, puree and mashing them and then adding them into soups, pastas, salads, risotto and more. We recommend keeping some roasted or pureed squash on hand to easily add more flavor, texture and nutrition to your meals. The addition of these brilliant colors brighten those Winter dishes and make food more festive and appealing while providing your body with nutrients needed for the season. Watch Miss Jenn show you how easy it is to roast and prepare squash in this video. 

Miss Jenn, our culinary & education specialist has curated this delicious Roasted Winter Squash soup that will not only help you eat in season, it will also nourish your family table. Try making this simple soup for dinner tonight and freeze some to have on hand for a quick, healthy meal on those days when there is less time for dinner. We also have our own homemade roasted squash soup available for sale in our farm store making mealtime quick and easy. 

Here’s a helpful guide to all the varieties of winter squash that are available on our farm to inspire you to try something new and good for you! 

Acorn squash – light colored flesh, with a nutty type flavor. Tastes best baked and has the perfect deep vessel for stuffing. The skins on this squash are edible. 

Butternut squash – deep orange flesh with a slightly sweet rich flavor can be used in a variety of ways including baked, steamed, roasted, air fried and grated into baked goods and more. Remove the skin before eating. 

Buttercup squash – darker orange colored flesh similar to butternut, however, with a milder & mellow flavor. Remove the skin on this squash before eating. 

Delicata squash – yellow, creamy flesh that tastes similar to sweet potato. Best eaten steamed or baked, skins are edible. 

Kabocha squash – mustard color yellow flesh with a sweet and rich flavor. This squash contains the highest sugar content of the squash and is best served baked or stuffed. 

Red Kuri squash – yellow flesh with a sweet and somewhat spicy flavor. Some say this squash tastes a bit like chestnuts. Remove skins before eating. 

Sweet Dumpling squash –  pale yellow flesh with a tender inside and skin. Best for roasting or stuffing and skins are edible. 

Turban squash – yellow/orange flesh with a very sweet flavor, often used for decoration, not many know that this squash is edible. Remove the skins before eating. 

Want to incorporate more fruits & veggies into your diet? Watch this video where Miss Jenn shows you how to make squash gnocchi. Another fabulous meal idea for these colder Winter months. Keep eating freshly inspired and in season with your farmer who grows your food! 

Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours!