Spaghetti Squash – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is a winter vegetable and one of the most popular types of squash. It takes its name from the way thin strands of the flesh of the squash can resemble spaghetti when pulled away from the rind after cooking. Spaghetti squash usually comes in shades ranging somewhere between pale yellow and orange.

Spaghetti squash can be roasted and served as a side dish, used in casseroles and soups, or the squash itself can be stuffed with meat and veggies. And although it’s softer and more stringy than its namesake, you can use spaghetti squash as a low-calorie substitute for spaghetti or noodles!

Where did spaghetti squash originate from?

Although spaghetti squash is native to the Americas, traders took the vegetable to many other parts of the world. In fact, it actually first came to prominence in China. Spaghetti squash was exported to Japan in the 1920s before being sold commercially in the United States for the first time just before World War II.

What is the nutritional value of spaghetti squash?

One cup (100g) of cubed spaghetti squash contains the following:

• 31 calories
• 7g carbohydrates; includes 1.5g fiber and 2.8g sugar
• 0.6g protein
• 0.6g fat
• 5% daily value (DV) of vitamin B6
• 3% DV of vitamin C
• 3% DV of potassium
• 3% DV of magnesium
• 2% DV of vitamin A
• 2% DV of calcium

How is spaghetti squash grown?

Spaghetti squash is planted in spring and requires about 100 days to mature. In northern climates, the squash seeds may need to be planted indoors before the last frost of the year. In warmer places, they can be planted after the last frost. They can be grown in rows or on vertical vines, depending on how much space is available. In order to grow well, spaghetti squash needs to be planted in nutrient-rich soil. They also require full sunlight and a lot of water.

Growers can look use the following pointers to decide if it’s time to harvest their spaghetti squash:

• The skin of the squash should not be shiny, but it should be a uniform color. The color should be closer to yellow than to gray or green.
• Try piercing the skin of the squash with your nail. If the squash is ripe, it won’t pierce easily.
• Check the skin of the squash for any soft spots, which are a sign the squash is not ripe.

When is spaghetti squash in season?

Peak spaghetti squash season is early fall and through the winter. However, it is relatively easy to find throughout the year, and you’ll probably be able to find it in grocery stores that stock a wide variety of fresh vegetables.

How do you pick spaghetti squash at the grocery store?

Ripe spaghetti squash should be uniform in color. The skin should be very firm to touch. You should also test the weight of the squash in your hands. Healthy spaghetti squash is quite heavy, especially relative to its size. Also, be on the lookout for damage to the skin, whether splits on the surface or bruising.

Now you know how to pick out the finest spaghetti squash in the produce aisle, you can seek out the best spaghetti squash near you in Instacart. Once you’ve placed your order, don’t forget that you can share tips on choosing spaghetti squash with the Instacart shopper. A few helpful hints can save the shopper time and ensure your delivery reaches you faster. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products.

How to store spaghetti squash

The best way of storing squash is at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Under these conditions, your spaghetti squash will stay good for several months. Uncut squash should not be stored in the refrigerator if it can be avoided, as it will not last as long in the refrigerator.

If you’ve cut a spaghetti squash and want to store what you’re not cooking immediately, cover the remaining squash with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Use the squash within 2 or 3 days. Cooked squash will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

How to tell if spaghetti squash is bad

Several red flags can indicate that spaghetti squash has gone bad, including:

• Dark spots on the skin of the squash.
• Feeling soft and squishy to touch.
• A stump that is shriveling or has moist spots.
• A strong smell.
• Discolored or dull flesh.
• An interior texture that seems dried out or mushy.

What can I substitute for spaghetti squash?

It depends on what characteristic of spaghetti squash you want to replace. Most other types of squash won’t replicate the stringy texture of spaghetti squash, and many have a stronger flavor than spaghetti squash. The best substitute by some distance is zucchini, both for its relatively light flavor and its well-established viability as a noodle or pasta replacement.

Find spaghetti squash near me

Whether you want to use spaghetti squash as a low-calorie pasta substitute, or you just love the texture and flavor on its own, it’s sure to be in stock at a grocery store near you. So explore the spaghetti squash options near you with Instacart, and let your Instacart shopper take care of your same-day delivery!

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