Seasons/Availability
Carnival squash is available during fall and winter.
Storage
Carnival squash can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. Once cut, store unused pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to six months.
Uses
Due to its sweet and nutty flavor, Carnival squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, steaming, baking, sautéing, and grilling. It can be cubed and roasted with oil and herbs or spices for a side dish, added to soups and stews for texture and flavor, grilled in wedges or halves on the grill, seasoned with sugar and baked into pies or tarts, stuffed with grains or meats for a main course, or pureed into soups and sauces. Carnival squash can also be sliced into strips for chips, diced and added to salads, or served as a side dish mashed with butter and seasonings. It pairs well with spices such as chili powder, cumin, nutmeg, sage, thyme, cinnamon, maple syrup, bacon, feta cheese, walnuts, and apples.
Nutrition
Carnival squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, folate, and zinc. It also contains small amounts of calcium and B vitamins.
