The best place to experience the range of squash options is a farmers market, where you are more likely to encounter lesser-known varieties. Despite their varied appearances, most squash are actually pretty similar on the inside (spaghetti squash is a notable exception). Here is a beginner’s guide to the most common winter squashes and how your family can enjoy them in the coming months.
These squat squashes are a beautiful green color. Kabochas canbe stored for a long time and the flesh actually becomes sweeterthe longer they sit out.
Kabocha
This is perhaps the best-known and most versatile squash. Youcan find it on the shelves of any grocery. Butternut squash hassmooth, pale orange skin that makes it easy to peel for roasting.It is also commonly pureed and strained in preparations such assoup.
Butternut
A popular variety, acorn squash is readily available at mostgrocery stores. As the name suggests, this squash is shaped like anacorn with a dark green skin and yellow flesh.
Acorn
These small, thin squash have a pale yellow, ridged skin with afew green lines. The flesh is sweet and not too starchy, making itone of the tastiest squash options.
Delicata
These are very large and irregularly shaped with a blue/grayskin that is quite “warted.” The yellow flesh is very moist andrequires a longer cooking time.
Hubbard
This oval-shaped variety has a golden-yellow skin and a mild,nutty flavor. When cooked, the flesh separates in strands thatresemble spaghetti pasta.
Spaghetti
