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Turban Squash Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to turban squash products
About turban squash
The turban squash is named after the attractive turban-like protrusion that perches on the top end of the vegetable like a lid. This squash is usually used for decorative purposes due to its fancy look, but it can also be baked, steamed, or simmered. The pale yellow flesh of the turban squash has an appealing mild and soft, grainy texture. Like most winter squashes, turban squash is rich in beta-carotene, which gives its interior a golden color. The turban squash makes an amusing guest at the dinner table, both as a centerpiece and as a dish.
How to pick out turban squash
Turban squash is a vital ingredient for crisp fall days. It's a big player for baking, roasting, and stuffing. If under-ripe, the squash may not have developed its crucial taste. If it is overripe, it might be dry, spongy, or flavorless. You can follow these tips when navigating the online store to get the best recipe-ready turban squash.
Weight: Pick up a turban squash to feel its weight. A ripe squash should be hard and heavy for its size. You can pick up several squashes to have an idea of average weight. If a squash it too light, it's not ripe enough yet. You can also test whether the squash is ready by tapping the outside. If it sounds hollow, it might be ready to eat.
Stem: You want a turban squash with an intact stem that is firm and dry. When the stem is complete, your squash will stay longer. Any softness or mold means the squash is past its maturity.
Skin color: Turban squash comes in a range of colors, but you want deeper and rich color. A pale spot where the squash was lying on the ground as it ripened is okay as long as it is not green, which could mean it is not ripe yet.
Surface: Your turban squash should not be waxy or shiny. Look for one with a dull or matte finish. If it looks shiny, it could mean that the squash was picked before time. The thickness of the shell is also essential. Use your fingernail to try to prick the surface softly. If your nail slips easily, it may not be a good squash. A good squash should have a hard exterior.
Cuts, soft spots, and cracks: Have a closer look at the surface to make sure there are no cracks, cuts, or soft spots. Cracks and cuts may signal that the squash was harvested before time or mishandled during transit, while soft spots may lead to mold growth.
How to preserve a turban squash
You can preserve turban squash for later use by drying, freezing or canning. Squashes should have mature stingless mash and firm rind.
Drying
- Clean, peel and scoop out fibers and seeds from turban squash flesh.
- Slice into small, thin strips, not over one inch.
- Heat strips over steam for two minutes.
- Dry the strips in a dehydrator until fragile.
- Use one cup of dried food and two cups of water to reconstitute.
- Soak again for one hour and then blanch until soft.
Freezing
- Choose full-colored, mature turban squashes with fine texture.
- Clean, slice into cooking-size parts, and scoop out seeds.
- Cook until tender in boiling water, oven, steam, or pressure cooker.
- When tender, remove the pulp from the mash and rind.
- To cool, place a pan containing turban squash in cold water and stir occasionally.
- Pack into tight containers, leaving a half-inch gap, and freeze.
Canning
- Slice the turban squash flesh into one-inch cubes.
- Boil the cubes in water for three minutes.
- Fill the pot with cooking oil and cubes, leaving a one-inch gap.
- Turban squashes are low-acid vegetables and should be pressure canned. Process the squashes at 11 nickers pressure in a dial gauge-pressure canner and 15 nickers pressure in a weighted-gauge pressure scanner.
- For either method, process quarts for one and a half hours or pints for 55 minutes.
Turban Squash Near Me
Buy your favorite Turban Squash online with Instacart. Order Turban Squash from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about turban squashes
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the squash, making sure to remove any dirt that may be stuck.
Step 2: Slice the squash in half lengthways. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers with a spoon and discard. You may keep the squash in halves or slice it into quarters or thick pieces.
Step 3: Arrange the squash on in an oven dish or a rimmed baking sheet. If you are baking halves, add a quarter-inch of water to the pan. Rub the squash with melted butter or olive oil and flavor with pepper and salt. You can also season the slices with dried spices such as ginger, nutmeg, or cayenne.
Step 4: Roast the squash until it can be pierced with a fork, about half an hour to one hour, depending on the size. You can serve the squash with the skin on or scoop out the flesh.
There's no doubt that turban squash has immense benefits and superb taste. Order on Instacart today and enjoy your turban squash tonight!