Hard-rind squashes (or winter squashes) refer to Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, Kabocha, Pumpkin (which you can read about here), and Spaghetti varieties to name a few. They differ from summer squash in that they are harvested in their mature stage, when the rind becomes tough and the seeds have fully developed. Also unlike summer squash, they should be cooked before eaten. (Read more on Wikipedia.)
Preparation
Acorn squash is easiest to prepare by leaving the skin on while cooking. Simply cut the squash in half, remove the seeds (and save them for roasting separately!) and either steam or roast the squash halves. The skin will peel off much easier when cooked.
Butternut squash have a thinner skin than acorn squash and can be peeled with a vegetable peeler before cooking.
Storage Tips
Winter squash can be stored for several months in a cool, dry environment.
Nutrition
Winter squashes are a great source for vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as folate, fiber, potassium, and manganese. They are also rich in antioxidants, like beta-carotene, and may provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well as blood sugar regulation. (Read more about winter squash nutrition on World’s Healthiest Foods.)
Seasonality
Jan, Feb, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec,
Recipes
Acorn Squash Breakfast Hash
Acorn Squash Stuffed with Rice, Apples and Chevre
Alice Waters Red Kuri Squash Soup
Baja Butternut Squash Soup
Baked Carnival Squash With Smoked Bacon and Rosemary
Baked Eggs in Carnival Squash Rings
Balsamic Roasted Butternut Squash & Mushrooms with Pasta
Buttercup Squash with Apples
Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Ginger
Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Pie/Galette
Butternut Squash and Chickpea Soup
Butternut Squash Apple Cranberry Bake Recipe
Butternut Squash Casserole with Leeks, Prosciutto and Thyme
Butternut Squash Dip
Butternut Squash, Lemon and Basil risotto
Butternut Squash Mac-n-Cheese
Butternut Squash on Toast
Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash Soup
Cabbage Soup with Butternut Squash
Calaloo Stew
Caramelized Butternut Squash Wedges with a Sage Hazelnut Pesto
Carnival Squash Stuffed With Apples and Thyme
Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
Delicata or Acorn Squash with Thanksgiving Stuffing
Delicata Squash and Apple Saute
Delicata Squash Pie
Delicata Squash with Honey, Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas
Delicata Squash with Mixed Nut Stuffing
Garlic-Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash with Gruyere
Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion, Winter Squash Pizza
Greek-Style Spaghetti Squash
Herbed Winter Vegetable Roast
Kid-Friendly Baked Shells with Winter Squash
Kid-Friendly Butternut Tomato Soup
Lemon Sunchoke and Parsnip Soup
Maple Glazed Delicata Squash Rings
Marinated Beets and Delicata Squash
Pasta With Butternut Squash
Pasta With Roasted Winter Squash and Ricotta Salata
Pear, Shallot, and Delicata Squash Soup
Pizza with Crispy Kale, Butternut Squash, Bacon & Smoked Mozzare
Provencal Winter Squash with White Beans
Pumpkin-Pear Crisps
Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Dumpling Squash
Raw Butternut Squash Salad With Raisins and Ginger
Risotto with Winter Squash, Leeks and Basil
Roasted Acorn Squash And Braised Pears
Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad w/ Cranberries & Pecans
Roasted Delicata Squash
Roasted Delicata Squash with Mushrooms and Thyme
Roasted Squash with Cranberries and Thyme
Simple Buttercup Squash Soup
Spaghetti Squash with Brown Butter and Parmesan
Spiced Baked Acorn Squash
Spiced Roasted Squash
Spiced Squash, Lentil and Goat Cheese Salad
Stuffed Delicata Squash
Sweet Cranberry-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Acorn Squash
Trusted Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe
Vegan Stuffing
Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash