Squash Varieties to Try for Cooking, Decorating, and Fall Flavor
At Bay Baby Produce, we love celebrating the fall harvest with vibrant pumpkins and delicious squash varieties. From decorating your home with unique gourds to cooking hearty seasonal dishes, different types of squash bring so much color, flavor, and versatility to this time of year.
Our farm in the Skagit Valley grows and ships both decorative and edible squash, offering you the freshest, highest-quality produce for your kitchen and your front porch.
Why Squash is a Seasonal Star
“Squash Goals: Tasty Varieties for Cooking, Decorating, and Fall Vibes”
“From hearty meals to festive décor, discover the squash that does it all.”
Get Yours Now!When fall arrives and the air cools, winter squashes become a staple.
Known for their thick skin, sweet flavor, and incredible health benefits, these vegetables offer an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and beta carotene.
At the same time, summer squashes like yellow squash and patty pan varieties bring a mild flavor and delicate skin, perfect for quick cooking during the late summer harvest. Both summer varieties and types of winter squash offer endless possibilities for cooking and decorating.
Related: Spider Painted Pumpkin Ideas for Spooky Halloween Fun
Cooking with Classic Squash Varieties
Spaghetti Squash
This squash variety is known for its spaghetti-like strands and pale yellow skin. After roasting with a drizzle of olive oil, the inside pulls apart into tender ribbons that make a healthier alternative to pasta. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a lighter meal in the colder months.
Acorn Squash
With its dark green skin and sweet flesh, acorn squash is a seasonal favorite. Cut into thick slices, drizzle with maple syrup, and roast for a flavorful side dish that captures the sweet taste of fall.
Butternut Squashes
One of the most well-loved varieties of squash, butternut squashes have a long neck, tan skin, and a creamy orange flesh that purees beautifully into soups. With their smooth texture and nutty flavor, they are often considered the perfect option for roasting or blending into a pumpkin pie alternative.
Buttercup Squash
Buttercup has a small size, deep green exterior, and bright orange flesh inside. Its sweet interior and creamy flavor make it a versatile fruit that can be roasted, mashed, or baked like a vegetable.
Red Kuri Squash
This Japanese pumpkin has a striking bright orange flesh and sweet taste. With its distinctive shape and tender flesh, it pairs beautifully with soups, casseroles, or roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Related: How to Cook Acorn Squash: Easy Recipes, Tips, and Serving Ideas
Unique Squash for Decorating and Cooking
Honeynut Squash
A smaller relative of butternut, honeynut squash delivers a sweet flavor in a short growing season. With a sweet interior and creamy texture, it is a wonderful option for those who want a quick-cooking type of squash.
Sweet Dumpling Squash
Known for its green stripes and sweet taste, sweet dumpling squash is one of the most decorative choices. It’s often found in farmers markets in late summer and adds a colorful touch to fall tablescapes.
Blue Hubbard Squash
This large size squash, with its very thick skin and drier texture, has an earthy flavor and is ideal for long storage. The tough outer rinds protect the creamy orange flesh, making it perfect for roasting during the winter squash season.
Turban Squash
With its distinctive shape and vibrant orange flesh, turban squash is both decorative and delicious. Its sweet flesh works well in soups or roasted dishes, while its bold cucurbita pepo form looks beautiful on a front porch.
Delicata Squashes
Delicata has a delicate skin, meaning it can be eaten without peeling. With yellow-orange flesh and a sweet flavor, it’s a great choice for roasting with just a little butter. Its small size makes it easy to handle, and its sweet dumpling-like qualities are perfect for quick meals.
Related: Spaghetti Squash 101: How to Cook It, Why We Love It, and Simple Fall Recipes to Try
Decorating with Squash
Beyond cooking, different varieties like cinderella pumpkins, long island cheese pumpkins, and sugar pumpkins are perfect for pumpkin decorations and holiday baking. Their smooth texture and sweet flesh make them ideal for pumpkin pie, while their shapes create a wonderful way to decorate the home. Add in mini pumpkins and fake pumpkins for a mix of real and faux décor that lasts all season long.
Celebrate the Fall Harvest
At Bay Baby Produce, we grow and ship a wide selection of different types of squash, pumpkins, and ornamental gourds so you can celebrate the fall season your way. Whether you are roasting a side dish, baking with pure pumpkin, or decorating your home with pumpkin seeds and gourds, squash brings warmth, color, and flavor to your celebrations.
This time of year is the perfect time to enjoy both cooking and decorating with squash. From sweet dumpling squash to blue hubbard squash, every squash variety offers a chance to discover new flavors, textures, and décor ideas for your kitchen and your home.