The Amazing Acorn Squash

As we enter into September, we enter the beginning of many new things… one of them being fall. What kinds of vegetables come to mind with this season change? For me, I often think of acorn squash – I feel like it has such a fallfeeling to it! I must not be alone in that feeling as tomorrow is National Acorn Squash Dayand what better way to welcome this new season than to enjoy this delicious fall vegetable!

Did you know that acorn squash got its name because it resembles an acorn? Luckily, it does not taste like an acorn! Keep reading below to learn more about this unique vegetable.

Acorn Nutrition

One serving of acorn squash can provide you with a number of nutrients:

Fiber: acorn squash is packed with ?ber, which boosts your digestive health and can lower blood sugars. It also keeps you fuller longer.
Vitamin A: acorn squash is a great source of Vitamin A, which can help retain your vision over time and help maintain skin integrity as well asboosting your immunity.
Beta-carotene: acorn squash is high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that plays a role in cancer prevention and other diseases.
Potassium: acorn squash is a good source of potassium, a mineral that works with sodium to maintain your blood pressure.

Picking the Perfect Acorn Squash

Now that you know about all the good in this vegetable, it’s time to learn how to pick it out at the grocery store.

When selecting an acorn squash, look for ones that are dull and heavy for their size. Ensure they’re ?rm with no cracks.

When storing your squash, keep it in a cool, dry area at room temperature and no sunlight!

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Acorn Squash

Once you’ve picked the perfect acorn squash, it’s time to enjoy! Here are some great ways to enjoy acorn squash this season:

With Pasta– Steam acorn squash then puree itand use it as a delicious and creamy sauce over pasta. Or, slice it into thin strips and mix them in with whole-wheat noodles and cook according to the pasta package.

Steamed– Slice squash into thin strips, add some cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg and steam for a healthy and delicious side dish that’s easy to make.

Soup– Make a cream of acorn squash soup for a perfect fall treat.

Vegetarian Dish– Combine somecorn, beans, spinach and your other favorite vegetables withacorn squash for a delicious meal that will ?ll you up whether you’re a meat eater or not!

Squash Bowl – Roast your acorn squash as a whole and use it as an edible bowl – then add vegetables and/or meat for a well-rounded meal! Check out my own recipe here.

Acorn squash makes a great accessory to any meal and will definitely impress your guests no matter what way you cook them!

Your turn to take action:How will you enjoy acorn squash this fall? Let me know in the comments below!