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Spaghetti Squash
Inventory, 35 lbs : 6.00
This item was last sold on : 06/02/23
Description/Taste
Spaghetti squash is small to medium in size, averaging thirty centimeters in length, fifteen centimeters in diameter, and 4-8 pounds. It has an oblong and cylindrical shape, similar to a melon, and is connected to a small, rough, light brown stem. The rind is firm, smooth, and depending on the variety, transforms from green to a vibrant canary yellow or pale-yellow when mature. The flesh is thick, dense, moist, and pale-yellow housing a large cavity filled with stringy pulp and flat, cream-colored seeds. Spaghetti squash is best known for its unique flesh that separates into long, translucent strings that resemble angel hair pasta. When cooked, the texture of the squash is tender with a slight crunch and offers a very mild flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Spaghetti squash is available year-round.
Current Facts
Spaghetti squash, botanically classified as Cucurbita pepo, is a unique winter variety that is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with pumpkins, zucchini, and gourds. Also known as Vegetable spaghetti, Noodle squash, Mandarin squash, and Vegetable marrow, Spaghetti squash is favored for its unusual noodle-like texture, which is attributed to the presence of a recessive gene. First recorded in China in the early 1800s, Spaghetti squash has become popular around the world as a healthy, low-carb alternative. It is used in a variety of culinary applications and has a mild taste that will absorb any accompanying flavors.
Nutritional Value
Spaghetti squash contains vitamin A, folate, folic acid, beta-carotene, and potassium, and is also an excellent source of fiber.
Applications
Spaghetti squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, steaming, and baking. The rind is very hard and tough, so the squash can be cooked whole or sliced in half for faster cooking. Once cooked, the flesh can be shredded with a fork to make the stringy noodles that the squash is known for. Cooked Spaghetti squash can also be sautéed with complimentary ingredients to make stir-fries and simple side dishes, or added to casseroles, gratins, and bakes. Used as a pasta substitute, it can be topped or tossed with red and cream-based sauces, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs. Its flavor is so mild that it easily absorbs the flavors of that which it is prepared with. Spaghetti squash pairs well with tomato, onions, garlic, greens, fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, and oregano, parsley, and mint, cucumbers, zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, red pepper, snap peas, soy sauce, fish sauce, tamari, pine nuts, cream, parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella and feta cheese, shrimp, chicken, ground beef, Italian sausage, and pancetta. It will keep 3-6 months when stored whole in a cool and dry place. Once cut, Spaghetti squash should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated up to two days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Spaghetti squash was first discovered in China and was a popular vegetable in the countryside of northern Manchuria, China in the 1920’s. Images of the Manchuria area have been found that depict a woman with her child cutting spirals of Spaghetti squash using a rod on a sawhorse. The flesh was commonly collected from the squashes in this fashion and then hung up and left to dry out in the sunshine. The dried squash provided a nutritious food source that would last during the cold winter months.
Geography/History
Squash is native to Central America and was introduced to the rest of the world via explorers and trade routes by land and sea. Spaghetti squash was first recorded in Manchuria, China in 1850, and while the exact origins of how the squash arrived in China is unknown, it was a well-known food source for villages and was first introduced to Japan in 1921 by the Aichi Prefectural Agricultural Research Station. In 1934, the Sakata Seed Company in Japan developed an improved variety and was the first to market the Spaghetti squash under the name Somen Nankin commercially. W. Atlee Burpee and Co. then brought the squash to North America in 1936 and sold seeds in their catalog under the name Vegetable spaghetti. The squash was not immediately popular, and it took several years to gain in notoriety, especially during World War II when it was used as a substitute for pasta at a time when processed foods were harder to obtain. Today Spaghetti squash is widely available at farmers markets, grocers, and through online seed catalogs in North America, Central America, South Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Farm Fresh Meals | Vista CA | 760-707-2383 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | San Marcos CA | 760-822-2904 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Raglan Public House | San Diego CA | 619-794-2304 |
| Food by Chef Ty | Vista CA | 323-506-1890 |
| Bahia Resort Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-488-0551 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Spaghetti Squash. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Spaghetti Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Solana Beach Farmer's Market
Near Solana Beach, California, United StatesAbout 97 days ago, 2/26/23 Sharer's comments : At JR Organics :) 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 139 days ago, 1/16/23 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
La Jolla Open Aire Market
Near La Jolla, California, United StatesAbout 139 days ago, 1/15/23 Sharer's comments : At JR Organics 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 195 days ago, 11/20/22 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Little Italy Mercato
Indian Summer Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 217 days ago, 10/29/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Organics
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 235 days ago, 10/12/22 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Mendoza family farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 238 days ago, 10/08/22 
City Heights Farmers Market
Esam Green Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesEl Cajon, CA About 308 days ago, 7/30/22 
Joshua Tree Farmer's Market
Nest Farms
Near Joshua Tree, California, United StatesHemet, CA About 421 days ago, 4/09/22 
Little Italy Mercato
Rodriguez Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 462 days ago, 2/26/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 538 days ago, 12/12/21 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Dacquisto Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
Dacquisto Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 573 days ago, 11/07/21 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Dacquisto Family Farms 
Poway Farmers Market
D'Acquisto Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 574 days ago, 11/06/21 Sharer's comments : Still beautiful squash even with its natural markings! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 594 days ago, 10/17/21 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Dacquisto Family Farms 
North Park Farmers Market
Rodriguez Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesSan Diego, CA About 597 days ago, 10/14/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 608 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti Squash from Dacquisto Family Farms 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 617 days ago, 9/24/21 Sharer's comments : Spaghetti squash from Dacquisto Farms |
