A small winter variety, sweet dumpling squash are tiny, round and plump, averaging 4 inches in diameter and usually weighing less than one pound. Most often the skin is white, mottled with green, yellow and orange markings. They resemble a miniature pumpkin in appearance, due to the scalloped hollow lobes outlining them. The flesh is moist, tender, orange in color, and offers a mild sweet flavor.
This squash is difficult to peel, so most often it is roasted or baked with the skin on. It’s delicious halved and stuffed with meats, cheeses, grains or other vegetables. Sweet dumpling squash provide vitamins A and C, some of the B vitamins, and are a good source of fiber. One cup of cooked squash contains about 100 calories. As with all hard winter variety squash, sweet dumpling will keep well for several weeks when stored in a cool, dark and dry place.