Selection and storage
You can typically find spaghetti squash year-round at markets. Look for well-developed squash by pressing firmly with your thumb to ensure they’re firm. Another way to gauge maturity is by tapping for a woody sound; mature squash will have solid, dry stems.
Avoid squash with soft spots, cuts, or bruises, as well as those with skinny, green stems.
Typically, farmers cure fresh squash before sending it to market, which extends its shelf life and makes it suitable for longer transportation distances, resulting in better prices.
At home, store squash in a cool, well-ventilated place. Cured squash can remain fresh for up to 3 months or more when stored in a cool, dry area.
However, once cut, squash sections should be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic for 2-3 days.
Preparation and serving methods
Wash the fruit in cool water to rid of any surface dirt. Spaghetti is generally cut in half lengthwise. Discard the seeds and place the cut side down in an oven-safe baking pan. Drizzle some olive oil cover the pan with ¼ inch water and microwave on high until soft. When the squash cooled, scrape out the inside with a fork uni-directionally towards you to get “noodle-like” strands.
As in acorns, all the parts of the plant- fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds are edible.
Here are some serving ideas:
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| Noodle-like strands being seperated from boiled squash. Photo courtesy: Rusty clark |
Spaghetti-squash topped marinara-sauce Courtesy: Emily Allen |
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“Vegetable spaghetti” can be used in various delightful recipes as a substitute for wheat noodles.
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Toss squash “noodles” with olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, and black pepper.
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The squash “noodles” topped with marinara tomato sauce are a popular choice.
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It can also be used to create dishes like quiche, omelet, souffle, and more.
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Furthermore, it’s utilized in chicken and seafood recipes.
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Roasted squash seeds (Pepita) make a tasty snack option.
Safety profile
Allergic reactions to spaghetti squash are rare. Pregnant women and infants can safely consume it. (Medical disclaimer).
Also read ≻≻-
≺≺ Pumpkin Nutrition facts.
≺≺ Acorn squash Nutrition facts.
≺≺ Back to Vegetables from Spaghetti squash nutrition. Visit here for an impressive list of vegetables with complete illustrations of their nutrition facts and
health benefits.
≺≺ Back to Home page.
Further reading:
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Stanford School of Medicine Cancer information Page- Nutrition to Reduce Cancer Risk (Link opens in new window).
