Winter Squash At Route One
Humans have an extensive history with squash, it is dietary staple in the majority of North, Central and South American peoples. Many of the squash varieties we consume today were domesticated independently between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago, long before European contact. Traditional favorites like pumpkins, zucchini and butternut squash have been consumed by Americans across all parts of the continent for the last 10,000 years!
All parts of the squash plant are edible and in many cuisines the squash flower, or flor de calabaza is commonly eaten. In Mexican, New Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine flor de calabaza are included in soups, quesadillas, empanadas and pupusas, and sometimes stuffed and deep fried for special relleno-style treat.
Low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium, squash is a good source of Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Niacin, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese.
Add a serving of squash to your meals this fall and consider the key role squash has played in the long history shared with us all by the Indigenous people of the Americas.
Many types of squash and even the delectable flor de calabaza can be found Sundays this fall at Route One Farmers Market at 3745 Constellation Road in Vandenberg Village.
Looking for more information on Winter Squash? Check out the links below:
Winter Squash Guide
History of Squash in America
Squashing Stereotypes About Winter Squash
Article contributed by Shelby Wild,
Executive Director and Market Manager for Route One Farmers Market
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