1.) Squash is a very old food crop. There is evidence of its cultivation going back at least 8,000 B.C in Central Mexico, Peru, and the Eastern United States. Squash (along with corn and beans) formed the staple diet of Mesoamerican Indians and made the creation of these empires possible.
2.) In addition to its food value, many squashes were grown to be used as containers when dried (mostly the gourd type).
Cucurbit is a term used to describe all members of the Cucurbitaceae family. In addition to squash, this includes cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, and gourds.
3.) Squash comes from the Narragansett Indian word “askutasquash.” This roughly translates into “eaten raw or uncooked.”
4.) Virtually, the entire squash plant is edible. The leaves, tendrils, shoots, stems, flowers, seeds, and fruit can be eaten.
Presidents Washington and Jefferson both grew squashes in their gardens.
5.) Squashes are commonly made into candies in Latin America.
6.) Squashes are generally categorized into two types by backyard gardeners. “Summer” squash types are fast maturing (fruit in ~50 days), have thin rinds that are usually eaten, cannot be stored for long periods (two weeks at best), and are generally picked when immature. “Winter” squash types are take longer to mature (~100 days to maturity) have thick rinds that generally need to be peeled, are picked when completely mature and can be stored for several months.
7.) Sioux Indians would cut pumpkins into strips, dry them, and weave them into mats for sitting and sleeping.
8.) Squash contain a number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.
Baked Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Turn a traditional pasta dish into something fun and delicious with Spaghetti squash—the perfect option for gluten-free eating. Prepping this variety to roast is easy. With mild, nutty flavor and noodle-like flesh, this squash can be seasoned with olive oil and herbs for a simple delicious side, or mixed with your favorite sauce, veggies or protein for a main course!
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 1 hr
- Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash: Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.
- Your favorite pasta sauce or olive oil and herb mixture!
Directions
- Pierce shell in several places to allow steam to escape. Place whole squash in a rimmed baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes; turn squash over and continue baking until shell gives to pressure. Scoop out “noodles”.
- The noodles from these squashes are very flavorful and excellent served with pasta sauces.
SOIL 