![]() Add butter, salt, brown sugar, maple syrup: Rub a half tablespoon of butter into the insides of each half.Pour 1/4-inch of water over the bottom of the pan so that the squash doesn’t burn or get dried out in the oven. Place the squash halves cut side up in a roasting pan. Take a sharp paring knife and score the insides of the acorn squash halves in a cross-hatch pattern, about a half-inch deep cuts. Use a sturdy metal spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy bits inside each squash half, until the inside is smooth. If on its side, the squash can rock back and forth, so take care as you are cutting it. Using a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife, carefully cut the acorn squash in half, from tip to stem. Stabilize the squash on a cutting board as best you can, stem end down if the stem is short enough, otherwise on the side. Prep the squash: If you have a microwave, microwave the squash for a minute each, to make it easier to cut.It is best to find a squash with the stem still intact, otherwise, bacteria may be able to enter the squash.1 Due to the elongated growing and sunbathing process that a winter squash goes through, the shelf life for acorn squash can be up to one month in a cool dry place (2).īaked Acorn Squash with Butter and Brown Sugar Recipe (4) Inspect for signs of decay, by looking for soft spots or wrinkling of the skin. The skin should be dark green in color, however, small patches of orange/yellow are not uncommon. To choose the best acorn squash at the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for one that is firm and heavy. The ratio of antioxidants to calories in the acorn squash is among the highest and can help protect against non-alcoholic fatty acid disease and eye-related disorders (2,3). One half-cup serving can provide up to 9% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A in the form of carotenoids like beta-carotene. 2 Similarly, one cup of acorn squash provides only 115 calories but is full of antioxidants. This fiber can aid in regular bowel movements, a healthy gut microbiome, and can increase satiety. Acorn squash is high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. It is a nutrient-dense food that can serve as a healthy unrefined carbohydrate choice. The health benefits of acorn squash are also numerous. The best characteristic of this squash is its versatility: it can be served sweet or savory, entrée or side, cookie or pie (1,2). ![]() It is part of the Cucurbita gourd family, which includes zucchini and pumpkin. Acorn squash is a winter squash that is native to Central America. ![]() Incorporating acorn squash into your ‘cold weather’ meals is a great way to start off the New Year healthy and happy. ![]()
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