Acorn Squash Vs. Delicata Squash: What's the Difference?

Meet Acorn and Delicata Squash

Acorn squash and delicata squash are winter favorites, each bringing their own flair to the table. They're both packed with nutrients and can be used in a bunch of recipes, from roasted sides to hearty soups. Knowing what sets them apart can help you pick the right one for your next meal.

Nutritional Face-Off

Both acorn and delicata squash are nutrient powerhouses. Here's a quick look at what you get in 1 cup (205g) of each:

Nutrient	Acorn Squash	Delicata Squash
Calories	56	40
Carbs	15g	9g
Fiber	2.1g	1.5g
Sugars	0g	4g
Protein	1.1g	1g
Vitamin A	18% DV	35% DV
Vitamin C	19% DV	20% DV
Potassium	486mg	500mg

Both are low-cal and loaded with vitamins A and C. Delicata has fewer carbs and calories but packs more sugar and vitamin A. Both are rich in potassium, great for keeping your blood pressure in check.

Looks and Tastes

Picking the right squash can make or break your dish. Here's how they stack up in appearance and flavor.

What They Look Like

Squash Type	Shape	Color	Size
Acorn Squash	Ribbed, acorn-like	Dark green with orange patches	1-2 pounds
Delicata Squash	Cylindrical, elongated	Creamy yellow with green stripes	0.75-1.5 pounds

Acorn Squash: Shaped like an acorn, it's ribbed and usually dark green with some orange. Weighs between 1 to 2 pounds.

Delicata Squash: More like a cylinder, it's creamy yellow with green or orange stripes. Smaller, at 0.75 to 1.5 pounds.

Flavor and Texture

Squash Type	Flavor	Texture
Acorn Squash	Mildly sweet, nutty	Firm, slightly fibrous
Delicata Squash	Sweet, creamy	Tender, delicate

Acorn Squash: Mildly sweet and nutty, with firm and slightly fibrous flesh. Great for both savory and sweet dishes.

Delicata Squash: Sweeter and creamier, with tender flesh. Perfect for roasting, baking, and stuffing.

Keeping Them Fresh

Storing your squash right can make them last longer. Here's how to keep them fresh.

Storage Tips

• Acorn Squash:

• Room Temp: Cool, dry place away from sunlight. Good for up to a month.

• Fridge: Crisper drawer, dry and unwrapped for longer storage.

• Delicata Squash:

• Room Temp: Cool, dry area. Best for up to two weeks.

• Fridge: Keep it dry and unwrapped for longer storage.

Shelf Life

Squash Type	Room Temp (Days)	Fridge (Days)
Acorn Squash	30	60
Delicata Squash	14	30

Acorn squash lasts longer, making it better for long-term storage. Both stay fresh longer in the fridge.

Cooking Up a Storm

Both squashes are versatile in the kitchen. Here's how to make the most of them.

Cooking Methods

• Acorn Squash: Great for stuffing, roasting, pureeing into soups, or casseroles.
• Delicata Squash: Tender skin means no peeling. Perfect for roasting, stuffing, sautéing, or adding to salads.

How to Cook Them

Baking

1. Acorn Squash:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Halve and de-seed.
• Bake cut-side down for 30-40 mins.

1. Delicata Squash:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Slice into rings and de-seed.
• Bake for 20-25 mins.

Roasting

1. Acorn Squash:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Slice into wedges or cubes.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 25-30 mins.

1. Delicata Squash:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Slice into half-moons.
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 20 mins.

Steaming

1. Acorn Squash:

• Halve or quarter.
• Steam for 20-25 mins.

1. Delicata Squash:

• Slice or ring.
• Steam for 10-15 mins.

Grilling

1. Acorn Squash:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Slice into wedges.
• Brush with olive oil and salt.
• Grill for 5-7 mins per side.

1. Delicata Squash:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Slice into rings.
• Brush with olive oil and salt.
• Grill for 3-4 mins per side.

Flavor Profiles

Knowing their flavors helps you decide which to use.

Sweetness and Texture

Squash Type	Sweetness	Texture
Acorn Squash	Mildly sweet	Firm and slightly fibrous
Delicata Squash	Sweet and nutty	Creamy and smooth

Acorn Squash: Mildly sweet with a firm texture. Ideal for roasting or baking.

Delicata Squash: Sweet and nutty with a creamy texture. Great for various cooking methods.

Culinary Uses

Acorn Squash:

• Roasting: Firm texture holds up well.
• Stuffing: Natural cavity perfect for stuffing.
• Soups: Adds body to soups and stews.

Delicata Squash:

• Roasting: Caramelizes beautifully.
• Sautéing: Creamy texture ideal for quick sautéing.
• Salads: Thin slices add a sweet contrast.

Recipe Ideas

Acorn Squash Recipes

1. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Fill with quinoa, cranberries, and pecans. Bake until tender.
2. Roasted Acorn Squash Slices: Season and roast until golden brown.
3. Acorn Squash Soup: Puree with broth, onions, garlic, and cream.
4. Acorn Squash Risotto: Add roasted cubes to risotto.

Delicata Squash Recipes

1. Roasted Delicata Squash Rings: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until caramelized.
2. Delicata Squash Salad: Mix with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette.
3. Stuffed Delicata Squash: Fill with sausage, apples, and breadcrumbs.
4. Delicata Squash Tacos: Roast slices and use as taco filling with black beans, avocado, and salsa.

Health Perks

Both squashes are packed with nutrients.

Acorn Squash Benefits

• Vitamin A: Good for vision and immune function.
• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and skin health.
• Potassium: Regulates blood pressure.
• Fiber: Aids digestion.

Nutrient	Amount per 1 cup (205g)
Calories	115
Vitamin A	18% DV
Vitamin C	19% DV
Potassium	26% DV
Fiber	9g

Delicata Squash Benefits

• Vitamin A: Essential for eye health.
• Vitamin C: Important for collagen production.
• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.
• Manganese: Good for bone health.

Nutrient	Amount per 1 cup (205g)
Calories	80
Vitamin A	35% DV
Vitamin C	30% DV
Magnesium	15% DV
Manganese	20% DV

Both squashes are nutrient-dense and great for your health.

Wrapping It Up

Acorn and delicata squash each bring something special to the table. Whether you're roasting, stuffing, or making soup, knowing their differences helps you make the best choice for your dish. Enjoy their unique flavors and health benefits in your next meal!

 

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