By Jackie Overom
Squash…
In September we begin to see all the beautiful varieties of winter squash. The following are a few descriptions and characteristics of our favorites.
• Acorn
These squash have a shape similar to acorns. You will see both green and gold varieties. White acorn is also available as well as one called Carnival. Carnival has a green mottled shell and light flesh. Acorn squash is sweet and nutty.
• Buttercup
Green Buttercup has a dark green shell with grey stripes and orange flesh. Ambercup has an orange shell. Buttercup is a very sweet squash.
• Butternut
Butternut is beige in color and has an elongated vase-like shape. The flesh is deep orange with a taste similar to a sweet potato.
• Delicata
This squash has a white elongated shape with green stripes. The flesh is yellow and has a taste similar to sweet corn.
• Hubbard
Hubbard is a large hard shelled squash. It is usually a gray-blue in color. The orange flesh has a sweet rich flavor.
• Kabocha
This Japanese variety has a shell that is pale green, gray, or orange. The flesh is thick and golden tasting sweet and rich also.
• Spaghetti
This squash has a small watermelon shape. The shell is pale yellow with pale yellow flesh tasting slightly sweet and nutty.
• Sweet Dumpling
The green and white shell is pumpkin shaped. The tender orange flesh is mildly sweet.
• Turban
This squash has a bright orange shell with green or white stripes. A bulb-like cap extends from the blossom end. The flesh is orange and rich and sweet.
September is Apple Time!!!
Apples are truly a gift of September here in Minnesota. The sweet delight of our northern apple is a great treat this time of year. Following are a few of the varieties we will have in our market for you to purchase.
• Cortland
This slightly tart apple is crisp and an excellent baking choice. Excellent pie apple.
• Honeycrisp
This apple is sweet tart and crisp. A wonderful apple for baking and eating. Stores very well.
• Haralson
The tart flavor of Haralson is perfect for the pie baker. Many think it is the best baker.
• Zestar
Slightly crisp and “zesty” describes this apple. A good pie apple too.
Love the sqashes. Do you have any solutions for erosion? I’m seeing a problem in the back corner of my yard.
A creative solution to your erosion problem is to install a planting bed. Build a dry stream in the planting bed to direct and control the water that flows through the area. Plant some shrubs and perennials in the planting bed to create a natural look.
Was wondering if you sold the half bushel baskets at your Market as in the apple photo above?
Hello Nita, thanks for your question. We do sell the bushel baskets in the market for $7.99.