Spaghetti squash are crazy. They are the perfect example of a food that looks way different when you prepare it compared to what you might have thought it would look like based on its outer shell. I mean...spaghetti...just hanging out inside a winter squash. It's wild.
And, it's one of those foods that can partner with many other flavors, making it a fun and safe option if you're looking to try something new!
Origin
Although many winter squash have been around for hundreds of years, spaghetti squash is a cultivated plant. This means that somewhere over the years, traits from different plants were selected to basically "bioengineer" the plant, producing what we enjoy today.
Spaghetti squash is a "winter squash" that grows on a vine.
Taste, Texture, Touch & Appearance
Winter squash are notorious for their ability to stay fresh for long periods of time because of their tough, outer shells (rinds).
Winter squash is typically cooked before eating, and the skin is usually discarded.
Spaghetti squash does not have a strong flavor and a dish using spaghetti squash as its base is easily adaptable.
Spaghetti squash is known for its appearance. The inner strands look just like spaghetti noodles, but the texture is usually more crisp.
The center of a spaghetti squash includes a cavity that houses seeds that are also edible (cooked and uncooked).
Removing the seeds before cooking (and preparing separately) is typical when preparing winter squash.
Properties & Storage
Winter squash in general can store for a couple months (up to 6) in good conditions (about 50 degrees).
The outer rind of winter squash can be tough to cut into (imagine pumpkin carving), and opening one up (or dicing) requires both care and effort.
Ways to Enjoy
Bake these babies! Split in half, remove seeds, and BAKE!
Treat the squash like spaghetti noodles and top with your favorite pasta sauce!
Remove the seeds, rinse, add your favorite seasoning/salt to the seeds, and BAKE!
Remove the seeds, rinse, and EAT the seeds!
Check out the Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce recipe video!
Notable Nutrients
Spaghetti Squash are a good source of Vitamin C, Fiber, Manganese, and some of the B Vitamins (B3, B5, B6).
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen which helps wounds heal.
Fiber
Fiber helps push food through our digestive tract.
Fiber scrubs the insides of our intestines as it moves through our digestive tract.
B Vitamins (Niacin [B3], Pantothenic Acid [B5], Pyridoxine [B6])
B Vitamins are needed to convert the foods we eat into useable energy.
Manganese
Manganese is needed for wound healing.
Manganese helps form cartilage and bone.
Gut Microbiome Connection
Our gut microbiome loves the introduction of new foods, especially new fruits and veggies.
Because Spaghetti Squash are a good source of fiber, it gives all of the microorganisms plenty of work to do which helps increase their population.
Eating different foods and/or preparing foods in different ways encourages the development and sustainability of new microorganisms as they are needed to help break down the foods we eat.
Bacteria are supported by the types of foods we eat. There are some bacteria that we know are not beneficial to our gut, and these bacteria are present with diets high in added sugars, low fiber, and high amounts of animal fats and protein. While other bacteria thrive with diets high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies encourages the density and diversity of healthy bacteria.
We love spaghetti squash. I grew it once here, but it tried to takeover the garden. Next year I’m planting a spaghetti squash and a butternut in containers around back. They can take over the rocks!☺️ And I can keep the deer out of them!