How to Prep, Buy, and Store Delicata Squash
Get the most out of this small, mild winter squash.
If you're unfamiliar with this nutty-sweet vegetable with tender edible skin, here's what you need to know to make it as much of a go-to as butternut or acorn squash.
- No need to peel the edible skin. Simply pare away any tough patches and trim off woody ends.
- To halve lengthwise, insert tip of chef's knife into center of squash, then cut down through flesh with blade. Rotate squash 180 degrees and repeat motion.
- Delicata is available from late summer through early winter.
- Choose squashes that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking.
- Small woody patches on the skin are okay, but avoid squashes with soft spots, bruises, or mold.
- Store as you would other winter squashes: at room temperature in a cool, dry spot. It will last at least 10 days.
