Winter Squashes and Astoria Health Food Stores that Sell Them

Possible photo:

Winter squash is harvested very late into the fall, eaten in its mature fruit stage and has a longer storage potential—all unlike its summer equivalent. In addition, all varieties of winter squash provide a irresistible variety of conventional nutrients. Winter squashes usually grow as vines and are designated as “weak-stemmed tender annual vines” with large cucumber-like leaves.

They also come in a dazzling array of sizes, shapes and hues. Those of you seeking to vary your meals while maintaining good nutrition and honoring organic and local traditions would be well-served to visit our local health food stores and experiment with these robust vegetables.

Here are 7 varieties of winter squash and 7 Astoria health food stores that sell them:

1. Acorn Squash

Look for its ridged green skin with speckled orange patches and pale yellow-orange flesh—all in an acorn shape that tapers at one end. Sweet, nutty and peppery at the same time, acorn squash is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins C and B, magnesium, and manganese. Makes for a warming winter soup.

Local health food store:

Sai Organics
30-21 30^th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
718-278-1726

2. Banana Squash

It may be somewhat shaped like a banana, usually with a bright yellowy (thick) skin. But this winter squash is much, much bigger… reaching upwards of 70 pounds. Its moist and hearty flesh contains a very high water content and plenty of beta carotene. Delicious with a red onion sauté.

Local health food store:

Fresh Start
29-13 23^rd Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
718-204-7868

3. Butternut Squash

Imagine something that looks like a large pear with cream-colored skin and a deep orange-colored flesh and tastes sweet and you’d have the popular butternut squash. A good source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, magnesium and potassium and an excellent source of vitamin A, butternut squash rocks with tofu, coconut milk, and toasted almonds.

Local health food store:

Natural Frontier Market
12-01 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-937-9399

4. Hubbard Squash

This large squash can grow up to 50 pounds and is usually dark green, gray-blue or orange-red in color. A low sodium treat with plenty of vitamins A and C, try your hubbard with a vegetable and rice stuffing.

Local health food store:

Organics For All
30-50 Steinway Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-274-0864

5. Pumpkin

A gourd-like squash that can range from the size of an apple to 500 pounds, the pumpkin is a major part of American culture thanks to Halloween. About 99% of pumpkins marketed domestically are used as “jack-o’-lanterns. Its famous orange color lets you know it’s a great source of beta-carotene. Pumpkins also provide a fair amount of vitamin C and other nutrients, such as niacin, vitamin E, calcium and iron. And don’t neglect the myriad health benefits found in pumpkin seeds.

Local health food store:

Broadway Natural
30-11 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11106
718-545-1100

6. Spaghetti Squash

The cylinder shaped spaghetti squash ranges from four to eight pounds and when cooked, and its flesh forms spaghetti-like strands (hence the name). A good source of niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, potassium and manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, this squash is great in a casserole.

Local health food store:

Astoria Natural Market
46-03 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11103
718-777-8477

7. Turban Squash

Green in color and either speckled or striped, this winter squash has an orange-yellow flesh and a taste reminiscent of hazelnuts. It’s name is derived from the knob that forms at its top. Turbans are high in dietary fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. When cooking, keep it simple by baking or steaming.

Local health food store:

Fresh Start
29-13 23^rd Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
718-204-7868