Guide to Winter Squash Varieties and How to Use Them

Unlike the summer varieties, which grow quickly and can be consumed skin and all, winter squash take their time to mature and have tough outer rinds that protect the developing fruit from the cold – and make them a cinch to store throughout winter. Many are also rich in vitamins A, B and C, folate, and potassium.

There are several kinds of winter squash out there, but we’re breaking down some of the most popular (and tasty) varieties and how to use them below. These six common winter squashes are so delicious, you won’t be able to resist picking up a few the next time you’re at the farmers market.

Butternut Squash

Sometimes referred to as butternut pumpkins or gramma pumpkins, these pear-shaped fruits are one of the most popular varieties of winter squash. You can find them in most groceries and farmers markets across the country in the fall. Butternut squash are easily identified by their shape, pastel yellow-orange rind and vibrant orange interior.

Like many winter squash varieties, these can be tough to cut into. Consider slicing them vertically from the stem to the base first to make handling a little easier.

Butternut Squash Recipes:

• Butternut Squash Tacos with Pumpkin Seeds, Pomegranate and Avocado
• Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bay Leaves
• Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta

See more: 10 Winning Winter Squash Recipes

Acorn Squash

Beautifully shaped and notoriously dark green with distinct ribbing, acorn squash is a wonderful choice for anyone hoping to experiment with new recipes thanks to its small size, offering roughly two servings per squash. Unlike many winter squash varieties, these have a thin outer skin, which makes them easier to slice and prepare. You can even reserve the seeds and roast them later to enjoy as a snack.

Acorn Squash Recipes:

• Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Roasted Acorn and Delicata Squash Salad
• Sourdough Stuffing with Apples, Acorn Squash and Hazelnuts

Kabocha Squash

Are you familiar with this Japanese squash? It’s slowly beginning to gain popularity in the United States thanks to its light, sweet and nutty flavor. Some say it tastes like a cross between a sweet potato and a pumpkin, which makes it an excellent candidate for roasting, baking and even turning into pasta dishes. As far as health benefits go, these beauties are a great source of iron and vitamins and come in at just 40 calories and 7 grams of carbs per cup. That’s not too shabby, especially considering how tasty they are!

Kabocha Squash Recipes:

• Roasted Kabocha Squash
• Winter Squash Gnocchi
• Kabocha Squash Risotto with Sage and Pine Nuts

Spaghetti Squash

Another common and popular variety of winter squash is the spaghetti squash. It may not look anything like pasta from the outside, but once you cut into the hard rind, roast the squash and use a fork to comb through the interior, you’ll quickly understand how it earned its name. Like many other kinds of winter squash, these have a tough outer rind and are easier to slice after being warmed in the oven or microwave. And while you can definitely use them as a substitute for traditional spaghetti noodles, they also make a mean addition to chilis, casseroles or even baked goods.

Spaghetti Squash Recipes:

• Spaghetti Squash Tots
• Creamed Spaghetti Squash with Browned Butter Walnuts
• Spiced Turkey Chili with Spaghetti Squash

Delicata Squash

Delicatas are sometimes called sweet potato squash, so you won’t be surprised to discover their flavor is similar to a mild sweet potato. They also have an edible outer skin, which means you don’t have to deal with finding creative ways to cut into this petite and cylindrical variety. They are easier than most other winter squash varieties to cook, and make an excellent candidate for stuffing, roasting and baking.

Delicata Squash Recipes:

• Crockpot Parmesan White Bean Chicken Soup with Roasted Delicata Squash
• Wild Rice & Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash
• Harvest Moon Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Maple Mustard Dressing

Pumpkin

The humble pumpkin needs no introduction. But you may find yourself unsure about what to do with these guys if you aren’t using them to decorate the porch. There are many varieties of pumpkin out there, but many of the traditional orange ones are wonderfully delicious for making pumpkin pie and other baked goods. If you have your choice of varieties and know you want to experiment in the kitchen, aim for sugar pumpkins, Long Island Cheese pumpkins or another sweet, heirloom variety.

See more: 27 Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall

Pumpkin Recipes:

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad
• Savory Baked Pumpkin with Olive Oil and Chili Powder