Spaghetti squash

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Spaghetti squash, a topic that has captured the attention of countless people over the years. Spaghetti squash has been the subject of debate, study and speculation, and its impact on society has been profound and lasting. From the earliest historical records to the present day, Spaghetti squash has played a critical role in shaping culture, politics, and the way we understand the world around us. Throughout these pages, we will delve into the rich and diverse history of Spaghetti squash, exploring its origins, evolution, and its relevance in the modern world.

Spaghetti squash
Fruit of a yellow-skinned cultivar
SpeciesCucurbita pepo
OriginAsia
Spaghetti squash, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy130 kJ (31 kcal)
6.91 g
Sugars2.76 g
Dietary fiber1.5 g
0.57 g
0.64 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV†
Vitamin A equiv.
1%
6 μg
1%
64 μg
Thiamine (B1)
3%
0.037 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
1%
0.018 mg
Niacin (B3)
6%
0.95 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
7%
0.36 mg
Vitamin B6
6%
0.101 mg
Folate (B9)
3%
12 μg
Vitamin C
2%
2.1 mg
Vitamin E
1%
0.13 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV†
Calcium
2%
23 mg
Iron
2%
0.31 mg
Magnesium
3%
12 mg
Manganese
5%
0.125 mg
Phosphorus
1%
12 mg
Potassium
4%
108 mg
Zinc
2%
0.19 mg
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[1] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[2]

Spaghetti squash or vegetable spaghetti is a group of cultivars of Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo.[3] They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, including ivory, yellow and orange, with orange having the highest amount of carotene. Its center contains many large seeds. When raw, the flesh is solid and similar to other raw squash. When cooked, the meat of the fruit falls away from the flesh in ribbons or strands that look like and can be used as an alternative to spaghetti.

Preparation

Spaghetti squash can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, steaming, air frying,[4] or microwaving.[5] Once cooked the flesh of this fruit can be prepared in a way that its “strands” look like and are as long as traditional spaghetti noodles.[6] It can be served with or without sauce as a substitute for pasta, and its seeds can be roasted, similar to pumpkin seeds.[citation needed]

Nutrition

Spaghetti squash contains many nutrients, including folic acid, potassium, and beta carotene. It is low in calories, averaging 42 calories per 1-cup (155 grams) serving.

Cultivation

Spaghetti squash (left) illustration from the Japanese agricultural encyclopedia Seikei Zusetsu (1804)

Spaghetti squash is relatively easy to grow, thriving in gardens or pots.[7]

The plants are monoecious, with male and female flowers on the same plant.[citation needed] Male flowers have long, thin stems that extend upwards from the vine. Female flowers are shorter, with a small round growth underneath the petals. This round growth turns into the squash if the flower is successfully pollinated.[citation needed]

  • Cooked
    Cooked
  • Prepared
    Prepared
  • Male flower
    Male flower
  • Female flower
    Female flower
  • Being sold at a Greengrocer in Japan
    Being sold at a Greengrocer in Japan
  • Served with marinara sauce
    Served with marinara sauce

References

  1. ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  2. ^ "TABLE 4-7 Comparison of Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in This Report to Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in the 2005 DRI Report". p. 120. In: Stallings, Virginia A.; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds. (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. pp. 101–124. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. NCBI NBK545428.
  3. ^ "Cucurbita pepo". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2015-01-31.
  4. ^ heather (2020-06-25). "Spaghetti Squash in Air Fryer". Food Lovin Family. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  5. ^ How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
  6. ^ "How to Cook Spaghetti Squash | Eat Within Your Means". Eat Within Your Means. 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  7. ^ Liz Roberts. "Spaghetti squash: a vegetable with a surprise inside". AllWoodWork.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-16.
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