The Sweet and Nutritious Squash: Sweet Dumpling Acorn Squash
Squash is a widely cultivated vegetable that belongs to the family of cucurbits. Its versatility and nutritional value make it an essential ingredient in many dishes worldwide. One type of squash that has gained popularity in recent years is the sweet dumpling acorn squash. This article will discuss everything you need to know about this delicious and nutritious vegetable.
What is Sweet Dumpling Acorn Squash?
Sweet dumpling acorn squash is a small winter squash that is native to South America. It got its name from its shape, which resembles an acorn, and its sweet taste. This squash is usually about 4 inches in diameter and weighs about a pound. Its skin is green with white stripes or spots, while its flesh is yellow or orange.
Unlike other types of squash, sweet dumpling acorn squash has a hard, thick skin that requires more effort to cut through. However, once cooked, its flesh becomes soft and tender, making it a perfect ingredient for soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and even desserts.
Nutritional Value of Sweet Dumpling Acorn Squash
Sweet dumpling acorn squash is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that benefit your health. One cup of cooked sweet dumpling acorn squash provides:
- 70 calories
- 18 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of protein
- 0.5 grams of fat
- 9 grams of fiber
- 145% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A
- 37% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C
- 10% of the daily recommended value of iron
- 6% of the daily recommended value of calcium
The high fiber content in sweet dumpling acorn squash helps promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Additionally, the abundance of vitamins A and C helps improve immune function, maintain healthy skin and vision, and protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Cooking Sweet Dumpling Acorn Squash
One of the best things about sweet dumpling acorn squash is its versatility in the kitchen. Here are some cooking methods you can try:
Roasting:
Cut the sweet dumpling acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet cut-side up. Drizzle it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the flesh becomes tender.
Soup:
Cut the sweet dumpling acorn squash into cubes and add it to a pot with broth, onion, garlic, and seasoning of your choice. Cook until the squash becomes tender, then puree using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender until smooth. Serve hot.
Stuffed:
Cut the sweet dumpling acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill the cavity with your favorite stuffing, such as quinoa, rice, or ground meat. Roast it in the oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is cooked through.
Sweet dumpling acorn squash is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that should be on your grocery list. Its sweet taste and versatility in the kitchen make it a go-to ingredient for various recipes. Besides being tasty, it also provides numerous health benefits that help keep your body healthy and strong.
sweet, nutritious, squash, vegetable, winter, South America, vitamin A, vitamin C, healthy, digestion, cancer, heart disease
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