Sometimes a little texture can be a good thing.
But lately Ive been wondering, is it actually safe to eat squash skin?
I decided to do a deep dive on the topic.
Photo:Jacob Fox
Is Squash Skin Edible?
But what about heartier winter squashes, with their tough and often rough skins?
But I want to know ifallsquash skin is safe to eat, not just delicata.
To get an answer, I went to a local farm and chatted with a couple of experts.
Some (winter) squash have really delicate skins and they become tender when cooked.
you could bake them and eat the whole thing.
This process is similar for other storage vegetables like onions, potatoes and garlic.
Are Squash Healthy?
Winter squash arepacked with lots of nutrients.
When Should You Peel Winter Squash?
Squash skin is pretty robust and thick for a reason; its meant to be stored.
But the skin is edible.
If its cooked down, it becomes palatable, he said.
He uses the farms assortment of squash throughout the winter.
And he removes the skin only if it will interfere with the texture of the dish.
Roasting and braising can break down the skin really well, he said.
The skin can actually add a nice texture.
Perhaps the best variety for eating the skin, in addition to delicata, is honeynut.
They look like mini butternut squash and are particularly sweet.
Honeynut squash are especially deliciousroasted with a little cinnamon and butter.
Be sure to scrub the skin well, Joyce recommends, to remove any dirt or debris.
Next Up: 10+ Quick & Easy Butternut Squash Recipes
