Acorn Squash Nutritional Information

This article dwells on acorn squash nutritional information. Acorn squash is a vegetable that comes under the category of winter squash. This pumpkin like vegetable is eaten either after baking, sautйing or microwaving.

With a typical acorn shape, the acorn squash is a variety of the squash species Cucurbita pepo, that also comprises the zucchini and pumpkins. This vegetable appears dark green on the outside with distinctive longitudinal ridges with bright yellow to orange flesh inside. We also find acorn squashes in yellow, orange or white colors. Measuring about 6 inches around and weighing to around 1 to 2 pounds, the acorn squash is a winter vegetable, which means it is typically eaten during the winter months, however, it belongs to the same category as the summer squash and is available all year round, with the peak time between October through December.

The acorn squash is also referred to as the 'Table Queen' or 'Danish Squash' and was initially considered to be a melon by the European settlers in the U.S. Besides its unique flavor combination of nutty, sweet and peppery, the acorn squash is commonly baked to bring out the best flavor and consumed. Let's find out more about the acorn squash nutritional information that is available to our body on consuming acorn squash. Read more on varieties of squash.

Nutritional Information on Acorn Squash

Initially, acorn squashes were only harvested for their seeds, as their flesh had a bitter taste. However, later, the sweet tasting squashes were grown, which gained popularity and are even used as a substitute to pumpkin. Acorn squash nutritional information is quite similar to that of other squash varieties like the buttercup, butternut, banana, Hubbard, spaghetti and sweet dumpling squash variety. The nutritional value is what has made this vegetable an important part of the Native American diet. Read more on types of squash.

Acorn squash nutritional information for 7.5 ounces of chopped acorn squash in a serving size of one cup is as follows:

Nutrient

Nutritional Value

Carbohydrates

29.9 grams

Protein

2.3 grams

Fats

0.3 grams (total)

Vitamin C

37 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Vitamin A

18 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Thiamin

23 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Vitamin B6

20 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Pantothenic acid

10 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Potassium

26 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Manganese

25 % of the DV (Daily Value)

Magnesium

22 % of the DV (Daily Value)

As we have seen, consuming acorn squash means furnishing one's body with the required essential nutrients. However, what weight watchers are interested is the amount acorn squash calories they will be gaining on eating this vegetable. One cup of 7.5 ounces of chopped acorn squash contains 115 calories. In terms of daily value, one serving of acorn squash furnishes the body with less than 6% of the daily calorie requirement. Read more on calories in acorn squash. What is even better about this squash is that it is low on saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. As compared to the other winter squashes, this squash is not as rich in beta-carotene.

To prepare acorn squash for cooking, just cut the vegetable in half, scoop out the seeds and bake for an hour. Baked with butter and brown sugar, this vegetable tastes simply great in the cold winter months. Although acorn squashes are most commonly baked, however, they can also be sautйed, steamed or microwaved and eaten. It is usually combined with spaghetti or prepared into soup, but it can also be eaten plain. Acorn squash can also be used in pumpkin pies, wherein this squash replaces pumpkin. Acorn squash nutritional information tells us how beneficial this vegetable is to our body on consumption.