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Acorn Squash Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to acorn squash
With its acorn-like shape, ridged skin, and yellow-orange flesh, acorn squash is easy to recognize. Also known as pepper squash, acorn squash has a sweet, mellow flavor that pairs well with maple syrup, garlic, bacon, and spices such as nutmeg. This fruit is rich in minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Acorn squash is often mistaken for a gourd because of its color and shape. However, gourds typically don't contain any edible flesh.
Acorn squash can be cooked either with its skin on or peeled and is a staple side dish of many cooking enthusiasts. This fruit has a thick, tough rind that makes it the perfect choice for chefs searching for produce with a longer shelf life.
About acorn squash
Acorn squash takes less than three months to mature for harvest and is then sunbathed to harden the rind. Sunbathing the acorn squash lengthens not only its shelf life but also intensifies its flavor and sweetness.
The inside of this acorn-shaped squash reveals a stringy seed area and yellow-orange flesh. When cooked or roasted, the flesh becomes velvety and soft. In terms of flavor, acorn squash adds an immersive, savory flavor to your dish described as slightly nutty, sweet, and starchy, with a hint of pepper.
Did you know that cooking acorn squash changes its nutritional value? The overall nutritional quality of acorn squash increases significantly when it's baked. However, heat breaks down the zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene in the squash.
How to pick out acorn squash
There are several factors to consider when buying acorn squash. First, inspect the rind for signs of decay such as wrinkling or mold. Pick the squash that is firm, but not hard enough to be under ripened. There is no need to worry about small soft spots as they can be cut around when the acorn squash is cooked. Second, if the squash stem is still attached, it should be dry and hard with no dampness left where it was cut from the vine.
The easiest way to tell if your acorn squash is ripe is by checking its color. Acorn squash turns dark green when ripe. The rind of this squash also turns hard after the fruit has thoroughly ripened. However, you may notice that some portions of the rind turn from yellow to orange due to lying on the ground for a long time.
Tips on how to prepare acorn squash
One of the most delicious and easiest recipes for preparing acorn squash is roasting it in halves. Here's a recipe that will help you prepare a delicious side dish:
- Cut your squash into halves starting from the stem and continuing to the bottom.
- Carve out the tough spots at both ends.
- Use a knife to separate the seeds from the squash, then scoop them out with a spoon.
- Â Perforate the yellow flesh using a spoon to create a grid on the squash. These grooves allow seasonings to spread into the whole squash evenly during baking.
- Place the halves on your baking tray and cover them lightly with olive oil before adding salt and your favorite savory seasonings.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake until the flesh is soft and easily pierced by a fork.
- Serve as your side dish along with your favorite meals.
Acorn Squash Near Me
Buy your favorite Acorn Squash online with Instacart. Order Acorn Squash from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about acorn squash
Technically, you can use acorn squash skin without having to worry about any repercussions after it's been roasted. However, you may find that some of your guests and family members don't like the taste of the peel. The good thing is that you don't have to peel the acorn squash before cooking, as the skin easily peels off after roasting.
Once purchased, you can store acorn squash on your counter for days without it going bad, but heat can cause the fruit to wither. For the longest shelf life, ensure you store the squash in a room that won't exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also best to eat the vegetable within two weeks of buying for the best fresh taste.
If you've used half of an acorn squash in a side dish and wish to save the other half for another meal, wrap the cut acorn squash in cling film and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Surprisingly, acorn squash contains more carbohydrates than cauliflower, leafy greens, or bell peppers. Therefore, eating more of this vegetable will provide your body with energy, but those on low-carb diets may wish to avoid this squash.
Are you an acorn squash fan or looking for a new, healthy side dish to add variety to your meals? Order acorn squash via the Instacart app today, and you'll not only save money but also enjoy a seamless delivery in as little as 2 hours!