Squash

Squash

History

History

Archeological evidence shows that squash was first cultivated in Mexico some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago and subsequently spread across the Americas. Squash was one of the “Three Sisters” planted by Native Americans. The Three Sisters were the three main indigenous plants used for agriculture: maize (corn), beans, and squash.

Squash Today

There are several types of squash to choose from, including acorn and Hubbard. These hard-skinned squash, like a pumpkin, have dense, firm flesh and a hollow center filled with seeds.

Squash Farmers

George Perry and Sons

George Perry and Sons, Inc. is a family business that began over seventy-five years ago. Delphino Perry who was an immigrant of the Azores Islands started the business. More...

Season, Ripeness and Storage

State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Arizona            
California            
In-Season  

Season

Squash are grown year-round.

Ripeness

Choose dry, solid squash free of cuts, dents, and bruises.

Storage

Store squash in a cool dry place, and use within a couple months of purchase.

Nutrition Facts Summer
Serving Size: 1/2 cup cubed
Amount Per Serving  
Calories: 9  
  % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 0.1g 0%
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 1mg 0.04%
Total Carbohydrate: 1.89g 0.63%
     Dietary Fiber: 0.6 0% 
     Sugars: 1.24g  
Protein: 0.68g  
Vitamin A 2.26% Vitamin C 16%
Calcium 0.8% Iron 1.11%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

Stroke

Half a cup of cooked acorn squash contains more than 400mg of potassium. Potassium-rich foods have been confirmed by the FDA to stop strokes.

Blood Pressure

Potassium also fights high blood pressure.

Fun Facts

  • Though considered a vegetable in cooking, botanically speaking, squash is a fruit (being the receptacle for the plant’s seeds), and not a vegetable.
  • Squash was originally cultivated for its seeds.
  • Columbus brought squash to Europe from the New World.
  • The many varieties of squash include: Acorn, Butternut, Baby Blue Hubbard, Carnival, Golden Acorn, Golden Nugget, Green Acorn, Spaghetti, Sweet Dumpling, Turban, Yellow Crookneck and Zucchini.
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