Hubbard Squash

• Roasting Hubbard Squash for Sweet and Savory Dishes: Roasting hubbard squash brings out its natural sweetness and creamy texture. Simply cube the squash, toss with olive oil, herbs like sage or thyme, and salt and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized. This roasted hubbard squash can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to salads and grain bowls.
• Pureeing Hubbard Squash for Soups and Sauces: Hubbard squash puree adds a rich, velvety texture and sweet flavor to soups and sauces. Roast or steam the squash until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. Use this puree as a base for creamy winter squash soup, a flavorful pasta sauce, or even in baked goods like muffins and breads.
• Baking Hubbard Squash into Pies and Desserts: The sweet, nutty flavor of hubbard squash makes it a perfect ingredient for pies and other desserts. Use cooked and pureed hubbard squash as a substitute for pumpkin in pumpkin pie recipes or create a unique hubbard squash pie filling with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can also add hubbard squash puree to cakes, cookies, and bread for extra moisture and flavor.
• Using Hubbard Squash in Risotto and Pasta Dishes: Add diced or pureed hubbard squash to risotto or pasta dishes for a flavorful and hearty meal. Sauté diced hubbard squash with onions, garlic, and other vegetables, then add it to risotto rice or toss it with your favorite pasta and sauce. Hubbard squash puree can also be stirred into risotto for a creamy and flavorful dish.
• Stuffing Hubbard Squash for a Festive Main Course: Hollow out a half or whole hubbard squash and fill it with a savory stuffing made from grains like quinoa or rice, vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Bake the stuffed squash until tender and the stuffing is cooked through. This makes a beautiful and delicious vegetarian main course for holidays or special occasions.
• Making Hubbard Squash Gnocchi for a Light and Flavorful Meal: The naturally creamy texture of cooked hubbard squash makes it ideal for gnocchi. Combine pureed hubbard squash with flour, egg, and seasonings, then roll and cut the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float, then toss with your favorite sauce or brown butter and sage for a simple and delicious meal.

• Rich in Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• High in fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
• Good source of antioxidants, helping to protect against cell damage and chronic diseases.
• Contains Vitamin C, an important nutrient to boost immunity and skin health.
• Provides potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Store Hubbard squash in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, like a pantry or cellar, for several months. Avoid storing it near fruits like apples or bananas, as they release ethylene gas which can cause the squash to ripen and spoil faster. Once cut, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze cooked Hubbard squash puree for longer storage; simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.