Banana Squash Delivery or Pickup

With so many types of squash available in your local grocery store's produce department, choosing one or even knowing the differences between them can be challenging. Banana squash is a unique variety that isn't always widely available. Its large size, ranging from 2 to 3 feet long with about a 6-inch diameter, makes it a difficult squash variety for many stores to stock. It's more readily available in the western part of the United States, where it predominantly grows.

Banana squash is sold whole, as well as packaged and sliced, in grocery stores and at farmers' markets. Selling it pre-sliced makes it much easier for groceries to store. Another reason stores find stocking whole banana squash challenging is that it can weigh up to 35 pounds, which is comparable to the weight of a toddler.

If you purchase a whole banana squash, you'll find the center full of seeds when you slice it open. While banana squash is a winter squash and has a peak season lasting from fall through winter, you can get it year-round. This type of squash originates in South America, mainly near Peru, and it arrived in North America around 1893.

Use the Instacart app to browse your local grocery store options to find one that offers banana squash. You can put a whole banana squash in your cart or look for precut options that are quick and easy to prepare. Either way, an Instacart shopper will gladly deliver your order to you in as little as 2 hours!

The rind of most banana squash is a soft, creamy color, but other varieties do exist. You can also find what's referred to as pink banana squash as well as a rainbow variety that has a striped rind. Inside, the squash's flesh is a bright orange color with a firm texture. As with most squash, banana squash tastes best when cooked. It offers a slightly sweet flavor that's rich and earthy. The rind is very thick, which can make it difficult to slice. However, it protects the inner flesh, ensuring that your squash stays fresh.

When you download the Instacart app, you can put a whole or precut banana squash in your cart for same-day delivery by an Instacart shopper! They'll do their best to provide you with a savory banana squash you can add to your next meal.

To choose the perfect banana squash, you'll want to look for a few key things to ensure you get one that's ripe and delicious. Choose a squash that is heavy and hard and has a vibrant, glossy exterior. The rind should be free of unsightly blemishes such as dark spots or holes. You'll also want to feel for any soft spots or areas that might have been damaged in the shipping process. 

If you're purchasing precut banana squash, check that it has a bright orange color without dark areas or streaks. You can store a good banana squash for up to one month in a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. You can store sliced banana squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparing banana squash is similar to preparing many other types of winter squash. Whether you buy it whole or precut, this type of squash can be baked, roasted, sauteed, or grilled. It pairs well with many flavors, thanks to its sweet yet mild taste. You can pair it with meats such as pork or lamb or spice it up with herbs such as thyme and sage. You can also add cinnamon, curry powder, nutmeg, or cloves when cooking to help enhance the flavors of your meal.

A few recipe ideas to get you started preparing your banana squash include:

No matter how you like your banana squash, ordering through the Instacart app and having an Instacart shopper deliver it saves you time!