Acorn squash is a type of Winter squash with longitudinal ridges on the exterior. It has sweet and slightly nutty-tasting yellow-orange flesh.
Resembling the shape of an acorn, acorn squash is green in color, and may also have yellow or orange patches.
Generally, acorn squashes weigh one to two pounds (0.45-0.90 KG) and are between four and seven inches (10-18 cm) in length.
Scientific name of Acorn Squash
Cucurbita Pepo
Other names of Acorn Squash
- Pepper squash
- Des Moines squash
- Carnival Squash (variant)
- Golden Squash (variant)
Calories by source in acorn squash
- Calories by carbohydrate in Acorn Squash = 93%
- Calories by fat in Acorn Squash = 2%
- Calories by protein in Acorn Squash = 5%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of acorn squash
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Acorn Squash = 60%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Acorn Squash = 30%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Acorn Squash = 10%
Nutrition facts of Acorn Squash
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 40 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.1 | Gram | 0% |
| Protein | 0.8 | Gram | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 10.42 | Gram | 4% |
| Fiber | 1.5 | Gram | 5% |
Detailed vitamin profile of acorn squash, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of acorn squash, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Acorn Squash
- Undamaged skin
- Should not be squishy. Should be dense and heavy for its size
- Should have shine and feel slippery to the touch and not sticky
- Mature acorn squash will have corking on the stem
- Ideal size should be 1 – 2 pounds (0.45-0.90 KG). Bigger acorn squash can get dry and have stringy textured flesh
- Too much orange or yellow patching indicated over-ripening
Availability of Acorn Squash
- Generally available round the year
- Best season is early fall through winter
How to store Acorn Squash
- Uncut acorn squash can last up-to 2-3 months in dark storage provided the temperature is 50-60 Fahrenheit (10-15 Degree Celsius)
- Avoid heat and sunlight while storing acorn squash
- Refrigerated acorn squash can last for 2 weeks
- Cut acorn squash should be wrapped in food grade plastic bags or container and can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Cooked acorn squash can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days
Complete nutrition facts of Acorn Squash
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Acorn Squash nutrition chart/infographic.
