Winter squashes (tomato, calories, mild, butter)

[lubby]

Has anyone ever had a butternut or acorn squash that wasn't sweet??? I made an acorn squash tonight and it was not sweet at all and tasted bleh! Other times it's sweet. I wonder why that is??

[Hedgehog_Mom]

I've had a few acorn squashes that weren't sweet enough. They required the addition of some brown sugar and butter, then they were sweet enough.

[DaisRose]

When I made it once, it has sweet and nutty flavor.

[1Luckylady]

We love squash and I make it a lot. I think the ones that are bland/tasteless are probably picked early and made to ripen in other ways then on the vine. Think the nasty tomatoes you get in the winter.

[IslandCityGirl]

Originally Posted by lubby

Has anyone ever had a butternut or acorn squash that wasn't sweet??? I made an acorn squash tonight and it was not sweet at all and tasted bleh! Other times it's sweet. I wonder why that is??

Yes! I've had a bad run with butternuts over this last year, so switched the store I was purchasing it from (thinking the sourcing might be different, and and it has been better). Every now and again I get a bland acorn, too. Exactly as you say: not sweet and bleh-tasting. Perfect way to ruin a squash soup. That inherent sweetness in squash is essential in the dishes it's used in, imo. If I have no choice but to let the show go on, I'll add some honey to the dish to try to recover some sweetness. It's never the same though...

As far as reasons go, I'd say it's just like anything that once was living and has gone through the growing and storing process. There are so many variables: what were its growing conditions as far as heat, sun, water, soil, nutrition goes? At what stage of its life was it picked? How long has it been stored before it made it to the supermarket shelf? All of those factors are going to affect the flavor and freshness. Sometimes it's just the fact that it's a unique, living thing too. Like, I can pick two jalapeños from the same bush, that look just alike. One will blow your face off and the other will taste like a sweet pepper. Just like you can get a tasteless tomato or a sweet, juicy tomato, etc. Same difference.

[lubby]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog_Mom

I've had a few acorn squashes that weren't sweet enough. They required the addition of some brown sugar and butter, then they were sweet enough.

since I am the only one who eats it, the next time I buy it if it isn't sweet I'll do a little brown sugar and butter. Thanks

[chiluvr1228]

I love spaghetti squash.

[arrieros81]

I like kabocha squash the best. It's sweet and starchy, but with less calories than a potato or even other squashes apparently.

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by chiluvr1228

I love spaghetti squash.

I LOVE spaghetti squash! It's slight crunchiness and mild flavor, make is a great vehicle for many sauces.

It's also good with herbs, a little butter and grated cheese.

[hellpaso]

There aren't many things I dont like, but winter squash is one of the few things. I try every year, but I'm still not a fan.

Do y'all have some favorite ways to prepare it that might entice me to try one again?