National Acorn Squash Day

You know, when you get your first asparagus, or your first acorn squash, or your first really good tomato of the season, those are the moments that define the cook’s year. I get more excited by that than anything else.

Mario Batali

If you have ever been curious about acorn squash, then you would be excited to know that there’s a holiday dedicated to the acorn squash. National Acorn Squash Day is all about finding new ways to incorporate acorn squash into your meals and learn about its history in the world. If you’re wanting to know how acorn squash got introduced and how you can use it in your next meal, read more to learn about its history and how to craft your own recipe here at Days of the Year.

History of National Acorn Squash Day

Acorn squash originated in North America when Native Americans were growing and eating the squashes for nourishment when European colonizers arrived. Because of its long-lasted durability, it can last months without rotting, making it a stable part of their diet. It was given its name due to its acorn shape and can have a variety of colors and spots ranging from dark green to bright orange. Although it wasn’t eaten for its taste back then, in recent years acorn squash has been upgraded to a tasty vegetable that can be added with spices and cooked in various ways.

Acorn squash appears at its peak through the months of October to December and can be prepared in multiple ways. It can be steamed, sauteed, baked, or microwaved. Many recipes include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, and cardamom to bring out the slightly sweet yet nutty flavor of this vegetable. Usually mixed with other vegetables, it can make any fall or winter dish unique. This holiday commemorates the history of this unusual squash and it is a day to try out different recipes that you wouldn’t think to try.

How to celebrate National Acorn Squash Day

If you’re aching to try out a new recipe, then follow this recipe on acorn squash soup: Frist, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Next, cut the squash in half and place into a baking dish with the cut side down. Drizzle some olive oil, salt, and pepper on the squash halves and then pour in some water. Bake the squash until soft.

Once removed from the oven, scoop the flesh into a bowl and set aside. Then in a pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook some onions, carrots, and garlic into the melted butter to make a rue. Pour some chicken stock into the pot and add the squash. Once the stock boils, bring to a simmer and cook for at least half an hour.

Then take it out of the stock and pour into a blender and blend the mixture together. Once pureed, pour back into the pot and spice with some nutmeg, cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper. If you like the recipe, share this holiday on social media using the hashtag #acornsquashday.