"Delicata Squash" I bought this squash the other day at Trader Joes in "Uptown " I thought what the heck, I'll give it a try. It had the directions right on it. How hard can it be? Right? I cut the ends off, scooped the seeds out, then proceeded to slice and dice them like onion rings. Chop, Chop, Chop.. . Earlier the same day I ran across this "Mountain Yam" at "Los Altos Ranch Market" on Central. pretty slimy, more like a cactus. I rinsed the slime off and wondered if they Would cook like potatoes? I had to fry them. ( in olive oil) I sprinkled garlic powder, salt and pepper, squeezed a keylime over the finished products.... I was really surprised they both tasted like potatoes. each tasted a little different, unique in its own way... baking would be lower in fat, but I'm sure delicious too! Delicata squash is favored by many for its delicate texture and taste. Saving the seeds and attempting to grow your own garden full of delicata sounds like a simple procedure requiring only a little time and effort. How to prepare "Delicata Squash Seeds" FOR PLANTING 1. Use a sturdy spoon and scoop all of the seeds out into a colander. 2. Wash as much of the vegetable membrane off as you can, leaving the seeds clean and fresh. 3. Place the seeds on a drying screen or baking sheet and set out to dry. This can take two days or up to a week. Test for dryness by applying a small knife to the center of the seed--if it splits quickly and evenly, it is dry enough. 5. Put the dried seeds into a glass jar or freezer bag. The lid or seal must be airtight. Add several grains of white rice to the jar or bag to act as a desiccant and draw moisture away from the seeds. Tightly cap or seal the jar or bag and place in the refrigerator or freezer. The seeds should stay preserved for up to two years under these conditions. Label and date the package for future reference. Cross your fingers.. .hopefully I'll have fresh Delicata Squash next year....
Delicata squash is favored by many for its delicate texture and taste. Saving the seeds and attempting to grow your own garden full of delicata sounds like a simple procedure requiring only a little time and effort. How to prepare "Delicata Squash Seeds" FOR PLANTING 1. Use a sturdy spoon and scoop all of the seeds out into a colander. 2. Wash as much of the vegetable membrane off as you can, leaving the seeds clean and fresh. 3. Place the seeds on a drying screen or baking sheet and set out to dry. This can take two days or up to a week. Test for dryness by applying a small knife to the center of the seed--if it splits quickly and evenly, it is dry enough. 5. Put the dried seeds into a glass jar or freezer bag. The lid or seal must be airtight. Add several grains of white rice to the jar or bag to act as a desiccant and draw moisture away from the seeds. Tightly cap or seal the jar or bag and place in the refrigerator or freezer. The seeds should stay preserved for up to two years under these conditions. Label and date the package for future reference. Cross your fingers.. .hopefully I'll have fresh Delicata Squash next year....