Asked September 12, 2023, 11:13 AM EDT
I have grown delicata squash for a number of years and it's always been easy to cut. I use new seeds every year and this year some (not all) of the squash have rock hard skin - to the point where it's not possible to cut it. It actually will shatter. However, the same plant produced squash that is fine and normal. These are picked at the same time and there doesn't seem to be any difference in the color or size. Could you tell me what might have happened to cause this? Thank you.
Montgomery County New York
Expert Response
Delicata squash gets its name from its thin, delicate skin. The skin is easy to cut, tender and edible―this is rare among winter squashes. The skin has a nutty flavor.
Although it is considered a fall and winter squash, it’s actually related to summer varieties, like zucchini or yellow squash.
Its rind may look super tough on the outside, but we can assure you, it’s super soft on the inside.
There are reasons why your squash may be different this year.
The maturity of the squash may be at play. Generally, younger squash has more tender skin so it could be that last year you harvested earlier.
The environment also plays into squash formation. Not so usualweather conditions mayhave contributed to the squash developing a very thick skin.
Also, do you practicecrop rotation?
More help growing this plant from seed here.
Yes, I practice crop rotation. I plan on trying an heirloom seed next year to see if that makes a difference. It was interesting because it has never happened before and the tough (actually hard as a rock) skin only happened with a few of the squash. Thank you for your response!
Ava
On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 2:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You are very welcome! Still, a bit of a mystery. I hope the heirloom seed grows to your expectation.
FAQs
The standard delicata is vinous; however, bush varieties have arisen including 'Bush Delicata', and seed sellers offer varieties with more sweetness as 'Sugar Loaf' and 'Honey Boat'.
How to choose a delicata squash? ›
Select a squash that is firm, heavy for its size and has an even cream color. A ripe delicata squash will be yellow with green striations on its rind. Unripe delicata squashes are light green. Avoid squashes that have soft spots, dull and wrinkled skin or that are extremely light for their size.
How to tell delicata squash is bad? ›
You'll know delicata squash has gone bad if it has wrinkles or soft spots. Also, if the seeds look slimy or their color is off, you'll know it's spoiled. The seeds are normally a cream or white color. Typically, they'll be covered in the flesh of the squash.
Why is my delicata squash so hard? ›
Its rind may look super tough on the outside, but we can assure you, it's super soft on the inside. There are reasons why your squash may be different this year. The maturity of the squash may be at play. Generally, younger squash has more tender skin so it could be that last year you harvested earlier.
What are the different colors of delicata squash? ›
The cream-colored skin has green striations, and as the squash matures, the skin becomes a deeper yellow with orange - green striations. It has dense orange flesh and tastes like sweet potato.
What color is a ripe delicata squash? ›
Ripe delicata squash is yellow in color with green stripes along ribs. It should be firm and heavier than you expect it to be. Avoid delicata squash that is light green (it's unripe) or ones with lots of off-color spots.
What does a mature delicata squash look like? ›
The average weight of a mature Delicata is between one and two pounds. When the skin of the squash has changed to a wonderful cream color and it has developed its orange and green stripes, the crop may be ready to pick at this point.
Why is my delicata squash bitter? ›
The higher the levels of cucubitacin, the more bitter the squash will taste. The most likely cause for a bitter taste in squash is due to an environmental stress of some sort, most likely a wide temperature flux or irregular irrigation. Either of these will create an excess of cucurbitacins to concentrate in the fruit.
What is another name for delicata squash? ›
Also known as peanut squash, Bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash, delicata squash is part of the Cucurbita pepo family.
When should you not eat squash? ›
How to avoid toxic squash syndrome. Due to the intense and unpleasant bitterness of plants with a high cucurbitacin concentration, you can usually tell when squash is bad. If you take a bite of squash and notice a nasty taste, spit it out and throw it away.
Is The Delicata Squash Skin Edible? Yes, absolutely. While some vegetables are meant to have their skin peeled before enjoying or cooking, that is not always true.
Do you eat the skin of a delicata squash? ›
The delicata is actually named for its delicate, edible skin, so there is no need for peeling here. The rind of these cylindrical, striped vegetables is similar in texture to a summer squash like zucchini, and becomes perfectly tender when cooked.
How do you make delicata squash easier to cut? ›
Trim the ends, then slice the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into three long pieces, using the green stripes on the skin and the natural indentations they provide to make easy cuts. Cut the pieces into cubes.
Should delicata squash be stringy? ›
Delicata is a long, small, striped winter squash with thin skin and uniform sweet (but not too sweet) non-stringy flesh, great for roasting and easy to work with due to it's size and edible skin (all squash skin is edible, but some is more tender than others.
Is winter squash the same as delicata? ›
Although delicata is typically considered a winter squash variety, it actually belongs to the same species as summer squash varieties like cousa, zucchini, pattypan, etc. The delicata squash is sometimes referred to as a sweet potato squash or a peanut squash.
Are delicata and spaghetti squash the same? ›
Prized for its stringy, fibrous strands that easily pull apart once cooked, spaghetti squash is a member of the same subspecies as delicata, and it features a similarly thin skin, with mild, watery flesh that's lightly savory and easily absorbs strong flavors. It's ideal for quick-pickled squash.
What squash is closest to delicata squash? ›
Acorn squash is a great alternative to delicata given its mild nutty flavor and mild sweetness. The yellowish flesh becomes tender and caramelizes well during roasting, much like delicata.