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gourds
Pumpkin, butternut squash, acorn squash, buttercup squash and spaghetti squash are the best known varieties. We eat them in soup, in salads, in muffins, in couscous, in curry,and even chips.
Its particular shape and its tough skin can sometimes discourage us from cooking it, but its health benefits, its low cost and its ease of conservation make it an essential vegetable to get through the harsh winters!
cooking technique
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Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, coat with olive oil and seasoning, wrap in aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 min.
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Steam cooking would produce the best results. To do this, peel the squash. Cut it in half, then into cubes or slices and place the pieces on a steamer in a large saucepan. Cook the squash until the flesh becomes tender.
*The flesh of cooked spaghetti squash has the particularity of falling apart under the fork into long filaments which, precisely, look like spaghetti.
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Price range
5.49$/kg, but the price decreases during the fall
- Acorn squash and buttercup squash cost about $5
- Spaghetti squash and butternut squash are about $8
Benefits
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Low in calories;
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Source of vitamin A;
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Rich in antioxidants;
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Rich in fiber;
Click hereto view their nutrition facts.
Did you know?
Don't throw away the pumpkin seeds! Roast them with a little oil and your favorite spices. They will be perfect as a snack or to add crunch to all your dishes!Click herefor a recipe.
How to choose it
When buying, choose gourds that are firm to the touch and heavy for their size. The skin should be dull, a sign that it was picked at full maturity.
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Available from August to December.
Conservation
Be careful not to store the whole squash in the refrigerator, as it will quickly deteriorate in an environment that is too humid for it.
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At room temperature: 1 to 3 months;
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In the cellar or in another cool place (10 to 12 ºC): 3 to 6 months depending on the variety;
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In the freezer: cooked, it freezes well and can be kept for about 1 year in airtight bags or containers.
Tip: How to remove tough peel
Here are two tips:
1) Cut the squash in half and bake it with the skin on. Once cooked, it will come off easily.
2) Cut the squash in half or in 4 and peel the sections. Once placed flat, it will be easier to remove the peel with a peeler.
Recipe ideas
Joumou soup
The most important Haitian New Year tradition is joumou soup, the soup that symbolizes freedom haitian par excellence.
To view the recipe,Click here.