Squashes are very popular in cooking thanks to their versatility. In soup or dessert, they will delight even the most gourmands. And good news for those who dread the peeling stage, the skin of the squash is perfectly edible!
On the other hand, edible and appetizing are not synonymous. If their skin is harmless to their health, a bitter taste or an unpleasant texture to the mouth can put off many people. But it all depends on the type of squash and how it is prepared.
What are the different varieties of squash?
There are many varieties of squash, distinguished by their shape, size, color and flavor. They can be classified into two main categories: summer squash and winter squash.
Summer squash
Summer squash are harvested before maturity. For example, zucchini and squash are summer squash with thin, tender skin; you can prepare them raw or cooked with their skin on without worry. Some other summer squash varieties are:
- The pumpkin
- Spaghetti squash
- Butternut squash
Winter squash
Winter squash are harvested when ripe, when their skin is thick and tough. They can therefore be kept for several months. Among them we find:
- The pumpkin
- Pumpkin
- Hungarian blue squash
- Buttercup squash
What squash should be peeled?
“It is entirely possible to eat pumpkin skin“, explains Rayna Joyce, manager of vegetable production at Bread and Butter Farm (Shelburne, United States) to our colleagues atEating Well. “Some squash have very delicate skin and become tender when cooked. You can cook them and eat the whole thing“, she adds.
But varieties like pumpkin or spaghetti squash have thicker, tougher skin than others, even after cooking. For these, it is recommended to avoid consuming their skin.
For spaghetti squash fortunately, the most popular cooking method is to cut it in half and roast it in the oven. You can then thin the inside of the squash to form spaghetti without having to peel it.
For the butternut, although its skin is quite thin, it is nevertheless quite hard. But if you cook it for a long time, its skin will become more tender and will be much more pleasant to the bite.
Why eat the skin of squash?
In addition to making it easier to prepare your dishes, leaving the skin on the squash allows you to benefit from their nutritional benefits. In fact, the skin of squash is a good source of fibers. Fiber is essential for digestion and the proper functioning of the intestinal system. They also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The skins of squash are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.
However, if you want to eat the skin of your squash, choose products from organic farming to avoid pesticides. In any case, don’t forget to wash your vegetables thoroughly before cooking them.
