Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Seasons/Availability
A rare variety, orange buttercup squash makes only sporadic appearances in the marketplace.
Current Facts
A member of the cucurbitaceae family, this large group includes not only squash, but also gourds and pumpkins.
Description/Taste
Round, with a drum-like shape, the skin of Orange buttercup winter squash is spotted and flecked with yellowed markings. Ranging from 4 to 8 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches tall, narrow stripes run down its bulky sides. The skin is bright orange, with a characteristic turban-like cap on its blossom end. Weighing two to six pounds, its dry, thick, yet fine-textured, deep-orange flesh offers a sweet and mild flavor, similar to that of a sweet potato.
Nutritional Value
All squashes provide vitamin A and vitamin C, some of the B vitamins and are a good source of fiber. About 100 calories are in one cup of cooked squash. Deep-colored squashes have the most beta carotene.
Applications
Hard-skinned buttercup squash may be baked or roasted. Scoop cooked flesh from skin and puree into soup, mix with cheese and herbs for fresh pasta or ravioli stuffing. Carefully peel squash and dice flesh, then add to broth-based soups with lentils, beans or leeks. Add mashed or pureed flesh to risotto or combine with cream and cheese for a hearty pasta sauce. Halve and stuff empty cavities with rice, sausage or mushrooms, bake. Buttercup squash keep for weeks in cool, dry storage.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Squash has become a rather traditional fall vegetable and served hot, made winter meals special with its warm delicious flavor.
Geography/History
Of the genus Cucurbita maxima and growing on a prolific semi-bushy plant, orange buttercup squash is a hybrid that matures about ninety days after planting.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Orange Buttercup Squash. One
is easiest, three is harder.
