Tis the season for all the squash! And if there’s one kind of squash that we can’t get enough of this time of year, it’s acorn. Acorn squash are a small winter squash with bright yellow/orange flesh. You can roast, steam, or even microwave them to be used in a variety of acorn squash recipes (from stuffed acorn squash to acorn squash soup)! They have a mild flavor that can be made sweet or savory – great with herbs or maple syrup.
How to pick the perfect acorn squash
When purchasing acorn squash, look for a squash that has a firm shell, free from soft spots of mold. They turn yellow and orange as they become more ripe, so look for an acorn squash that is mostly green with a few orange spots.
How to store acorn squash
Whole, uncut acorn squash should be stored in a cool, dark, dry area, where it should last for 1 to 2 months. Cut or cooked acorn squash should be tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to cut acorn squash
Cutting an acorn squash may seem intimidating, but it can be done simply (and safe) with these tips!
Can you eat the skin?
The skin of the acorn squash is perfectly edible when cooked! The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
Can you eat the seeds?
Acorn squash seeds are edible (and a great way to reduce food waste)! To cook acorn squash seeds:
How to cook acorn squash
There are a variety of ways to cook acorn squash. My favorite is roasting, but for quicker cooking you can also go with steaming or microwaving. Roasted Acorn SquashPreheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut and prep squash as described above. Brush the insides with oil or melted butter. Set halves cut side up on a baking sheet, then bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until fork tender. (More details on how to roast acorn squash below). Microwaved Acorn SquashCut and prep squash as described above, placing facedown on a microwave safe plate. Microwave on high for 6 to 10 minutes, or until flesh is fork-tender. Steamed Acorn SquashCut and prep squash as described above, then cut into slices in order to fit into the steamer basket. Set over boiling water and let steam for about 20 minutes, or until flesh is fork-tender. Sautéed Acorn SquashCut and prep squash as described above, then cut into slices in order to lay flat in the sauté pan. Heat a splash of oil in a large sauté pan then add squash. Cover and cook, flipping occasionally, until flesh is fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
