Falls' Savory Squash

Summer is out, fall is in. With fall comes an array of fantastic vegetables and fruits. The vegetables most associated with fall are pumpkin, squash, or anything orange for that matter. Pumpkin can be saved for October.

There are many types of squash but the ones I would like to talk about are considered winter squash: acorn squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, delicata squash, sweet dumpling squash, buttercup squash and ambercup squash. Although they are considered winter squash, their season actually starts end of summer beginning of fall. They can last for a fairly long time due to their thick rind.

        

Nutritionally, squash is low calorie, contains complex carbohydrates, high in fiber and rich with vitamins and minerals. It's a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium as well as other B vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that helps us fight certain cancers and it is also helps maintain good and healthy vision as well as healthy skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps us keep a healthy immune system, is involved in wound healing and tissue repair and helps fight inflammation. Magnesium takes part in many reactions in the body including: keeping normal muscle, immune and nerve function, bone health and many more. Potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolytes in the body. All those qualities make squash an amazing vegetable!

Here are some great recipes for each kind:
- Acorn squash - Roasted acorn squash soup
- Butternut squash - Butternut squash, caramelized onion and spinach lasagna
- Spaghetti squash - Spaghetti squash Greek style
- Ambercup squash-  Roasted Ambercup Squash

Ingredients:
Ambercup squash cut into cubes or 1.5" slices
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
Pinch of pepper1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp of fresh rosemary

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Spread aluminum foil on a oven tray
3. Mix squash with oil, pepper, garlic powder in a bowl and stir
4. Spread squash on tray
5. Spread rosemary on squash
6. Bake until soft and golden (about 40 minutes) and serve

Delicata squash - Garlic delicata
Buttercup squash - Roasted buttercup squash quesadillas
Sweet dumpling squash - Baked sweet dumpling squash

No matter what squash you choose you can use any of these recipes. All you need is to pick one at the grocery store and start experimenting. I promise, you will not regret it. Squash is a great addition to any athletes plate.

Cooking, Healthy, MyPlate, Nutrition, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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