By Kathryn B., Farm to School Manager
December's Harvest of the Month is winter squash. Harvest of the Month is an initiative of Poughkeepsie Farm Project’s Farm to School program. A different local farm product is served in school meals at area schools each month and we are helping to promote these locally available farm products.
Winter squash is not only nutritious, but delicious and versatile! We grow several varieties including Butternut, Delicata, Black Futsu, and Spaghetti squash. While it is harvested in the fall, the hard rinds make the squash able to be stored well into winter—thus the name winter squash. That means we have these beauties for both our Fall and Winter CSA!
Harsh winters make it difficult for vegetables to grow in New York year round, so squash are great winter nutrition boosters to include in meals. Winter squash are loaded with vitamins A and C and provide about the same amount of potassium as bananas!
SQUASH that hungry feeling! Winter squash is delicious on its own, roasted with seasonings. You don’t even have to peel some varieties like Delicata! Add winter squash to dips, chili, soups, or even burritos for a delicious and vitamin packed meal. It can be used in place of sweet potatoes in many dishes, including our kid- approved Sweetie Pie Smoothie. Go back to last month’s Kale blog to find the recipe for adding it to an Autumn Kale Salad.
Education resources
Squash Coloring Sheet
Print this fun coloring sheet that shows off the diversity of Winter Squash!
Smokey Butternut Squash Hummus Recipes
Smoky Butternut Squash Hummus Recipe - Here’s a favorite with our students - it’s a great recipe to add some color to your table with this flavorful dip!
Winter Squash
This infographic breaks down the fun varieties you might find locally and how to use them.
Winter Squash Tip Sheet
Check out this handout to learn tips about storing and preparing Winter Squash, including some delicious recipes!
Montana Harvest of the Month Fact Sheet
Want to learn more? This fact sheet is a great resource with history, plant facts and preparation tips!