My friend Margaret gave me one of these last Autumn. She also gave me strict instructions to save some of the seeds for sowing this Spring; which I did.
It's called 'Delicata', and is probably the finest Squash I've tasted to date.
I usually grow Butternut Squashes, which I've always considered to be the very best of the Squash family, but since tasting Delicata I've changed my mind.
Last night I roasted a chicken, with which I also roasted a few spuds and the Squash above. I peeled (not necessary), quartered, and de-seeded it, then tucked it in and around the chicken. It was really delicious; a little like eating savoury thick clotted cream.
I recommend that all gardeners should buy one, save the seeds, and do as I did. Of course you may already have done exactly that, in which case I'd like to know why you didn't tell me about it!
These are just a couple, still growing at Haddock's.
35 comments:
I have a bit of a butternut addiction. There's one in the fridge right now. Of course I could be persuaded to go over to the delicata side if I could find the variety here.
Let me know if you find them.
Delicata, eh? I hadn't heard of this variety. Sounds delicious, I will look out for it. If I'm lucky it may be available here (but not holding my breath).
My friend Margaret is a Kiwi, not that that helps with the availability.
Love your photos I was intrigued so searched in UK Amazon sells delicata squash seeds and Franchi Seeds of Italy are worth a try!
Sounds delicious, have a soft spot for butternut soup, which is very satisfying as well. Not sure squashes will grow in the cold reaches of Yorkshire though!
I only ever see butternuts round the market here but shall have to look for it - perhaps it doesn't travel well.
I have only ever cooked squash once…..I made some soup, which I think was OK!
I thought all those pumpkin type things grew well almost anywhere, especially if you have plenty of 'precipitation'.
As I said above, it's probably best to buy a Squash, and keep the seeds. That way you get to eat the 'packet', and the seeds come true to type.
Butternut soup is delicious; these I would keep for roasting or frying. They'd probably make a wonderful curry too.
Only OK?
Judith I googled Delicata and found some on Trade Me - I have emailed you as well.
I googled Delicata and found just one entry and have just purchased 6 seeds via Trade Me. The sale ends tomorrow.
On it!
We do have Delicata here, something I may consider for next year since I'm a huge butternut fan, so if this is better than butternut, it's for me!
This year I'm experimenting with a summer squash (kinda) patty pan type called Gelber Englischer custard squash.
I know the one you mean; a little like a large solid yellow flower. I've not grown them, but I've heard they're very good. I've grown the white flatter patty pans.
You won't be disappointed.
Now I have bought some seeds too, Susan. We can compare notes! Cro, you have started something!
Well, I do hope you'll be as pleased with them as I am; and don't forget to keep the seeds!
We haven't got any squashes but we have got a courgette food mountain.
It was a while ago, can't really remember . It was hard to peel, I do remember that!!
I do like squash but tend to overdose on runner beans at this time of year 'cos I LOVE 'em !!. You can get Delicata seeds here but I don't think that you can buy the fruits in the Supermarket. We can get Kabocha and Harlequin squashes which are a bit different to butternut. XXXX
I made a mistake with my courgette seeds this year. On the pack it said 'non running', but in fact they're all over the place. The result is that they're hopeless, and I now have dozens of huge marrows all hiding in amongst their enormous leaves.
I haven't grown 'runners' for years, we grow the dwarf French beans, which are going crazy at the moment; in fact I must go and pick some NOW.
I have seen this squash in stores and farmer's markets, but never tasted it. I will try it on your recommendation.
My favorite recipe is a Delicata tarte with cumin, coriander, red pepper and sea salt and my little son loves very thin Delicata chips.
Why not try it as I did, with a roast Chicken. Lovely.
I should imagine that the possibilities are endless; I like the sound of the Delicata Chips.
That's an amazing number of comments about a soggy vegetable Cro. P grew squash on a heap of pig muck and even I liked them. I don't think they were delicata, more like robustacata. His vegetables grow well straight into mushroom compost and pig muck but what he grows is random. I haven't received anything yet,
Tell him to forget growing Bucolicata, and try some Delicata; he might be convinced. Wash everything he provides well.
I've got butternut squash this year. Finally one of the flowers looks as though it's becoming a fruit. Now, i'm crossing digits hoping that I can eat it myself rather then the night eaters who sampled everything about two weeks ago.
I've been greatly enjoying your comments over at the Weaver of Grass's site, and finally decided to leave you a comment here.
Also plan to sign up with a click to keep in touch with your very interesting posts.
Best wishes from New York, where garden space is not easy to find. I last grew some squash in Brooklyn back in the mid 1970s.
I'm also growing Butternuts; I usually end up with a whole wheelbarrow full, which sees us through the winter.
Welcome Frances. A friend of mine who lived for several years in New York said it had some of the very best 'Farmers Markets' around, so I don't suppose you're deprived of wonderful vegs.
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