Acorn squash

Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a winter squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges and sweet, yellow-orange flesh. Although considered a "winter" squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all "summer" squashes (including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash). The most common variety is dark green in color. However, newer varieties have arisen including Golden Acorn, for its glowing yellow color, and some that are white. They can also be variegated (multi-colored). As the name suggests, its shape resembles that of an acorn. It is also good for winter storage, keeping several weeks in a dry location such as a cellar. Acorn squash from http://www. ... Acorn squash from http://www. ... Species - hubbard squash, buttercup squash - cushaw squash - butternut squash - most pumpkins, acorn squash, summer squash References: ITIS 22365 2002-11-06 Hortus Third Squashes are four species of the genus Cucurbita, also called pumpkins and marrows depending on variety or the nationality of the speaker. ... Winter squash is a warm-seasoned vegetable. ... Flesh by definition is composite of all the soft parts of the body of a human or animal which is between the skin and the bones. ... Binomial name L. Zucchini (IPA: , in North American and Australian English) or courgette (IPA: , in New Zealand and British English) is a small summer squash. ... Yellow crookneck squash in a supermarket Yellow crookneck squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a type of yellow-coloured vegetable marrow, also known as Pattypan Squash. ... For other uses, see Acorn (disambiguation). ...

Acorn squash are easily grown. Seeds are started after all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm or within 3-4 weeks before the predicted last frost date in the area. Seeds directly sown are placed one inch deep, 5-6 to a hill; hills are 6 feet in all direction from other hills. Roughly 85 days after germinating, acorn squash are ready to be harvested. Acorn squash should not be cured, as doing so will degrade the quality.

Seeds and fibers are not eaten. Acorn squash is most commonly baked, but can also be microwaved, sauteed, and steamed. It is often baked cut into halves, with the seed cavity filled with some combination of fruits, nuts, or meats. This squash is not as rich in beta-carotene as other winter squashes, but is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins C and B, magnesium, and manganese. Carotene is a terpene, an orange photosynthetic pigment, important for photosynthesis. ... Fiber or fibre[1] is a class o f materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to lengths of thread. ... General Name, symbol, number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, period, block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Standard atomic weight 39. ... This article is about the nutrient. ... Vitamin B is a complex of several vitamins. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... General Name, symbol, number manganese, Mn, 25 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 7, 4, d Appearance silvery metallic Standard atomic weight 54. ...

References

• http://darwin.nmsu.edu/~molbio/plant/squash.html
• The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
• http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/gardenerscorner/issue_01/fall_04_04.html