Spaghetti Squash

Quantity/Pack: 1 squash (3 lbs.)
Seasonality: Year Round
Origin: USA, Mexico

Named for its yellow-gold spaghetti-like strands of flesh, Spaghetti Squash is a smooth, yellow watermelon-shaped squash. Unlike summer squash (which is picked when immature and skin is tender), Spaghetti Squash has a hard, thick skin and only the flesh is eaten. Once cooked, the spaghetti-like strands of flesh can be separated with a fork, removed from the shell and served as a salad ingredient, as part of a casserole, or with sauce (similar to pasta).

Choose squash that have a hard, deep-colored rind free of blemishes or moldy spots. Tender skin indicates immaturity or poor quality. The hard skin protects the flesh and allows it to store longer than summer squash. Store Spaghetti Squash in a cool, preferably dark, well-ventilated area for up to three months. Wrap cut pieces in plastic and refrigerate up to five days.

Spaghetti Squash may be cooked whole or split lengthwise (removing seeds). Pierce whole squash in several places, and bake halved squash hollow side up.