Winter squash can be kept for 3 to 6 months.
The colors of autumn are often associated with the magnificent leaves of the trees, which stretch as far as the eye can see, in the different regions of Quebec. However, nature also gives the autumn colors to a beloved food from home: the squash! Cultivated for a very long time in Quebec, winter squash is popular and delicious. It is generally sweeter that its summer homonym and contains several nutrients that are excellent for health. The winter squash can be kept between 3 to 6 months. This is a good way to make reserves and consume locally throughout the winter! Here’s all you need to know about this food from the cucurbit family.
Colorful, but mostly nutritious
The different varieties of squash have a high beta-carotene content, which our body transforms into vitamin A. Also present in carrots, this vitamin helps maintain good vision, but also helps bone growth and proper immune system regulation. The antioxidant properties of squash would allow a better preservation of the body cells, which would reduce the risk of developing diseases related to aging. In addition, the seeds of squash would contain even more antioxidants! Preserve them and find one of the many ways to incorporate them into your recipes!
In the grocery store or directly from the producer?
Of course, you can buy several varieties of squash in a grocery store, but picking directly from the farm is a very nice activity! In addition to having a good time with your family or friends, the varieties of squash are much more numerous directly on the spot. Sometimes with farm animals, other times with product tastings from here, each picking center offers some benefits. The regions of Lanaudière, the Laurentides, Centre-du-Québec and Montérégie feature several companies that invite you to pick squash directly on site. The pumpkin can even be picked until the end of October!
A versatile food
In addition to soup, squash can be used in a wide range of recipes. As an alternative to pasta for spaghetti squash, in stews for acorn squash, or even in chips for the butternut squash, these cucurbits can be used in various situations. Its taste, varying according to variety, adapts to several contexts, even in desserts! Indeed, it is possible to integrate the butternut squash in a cupcake recipe.