Hubbard squash is a large, bumpy, oblong winter squash that ranges in color from dark green to bright orange. It has a thick, hard rind and golden-yellow flesh. Hubbard squash is very versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
What is Hubbard squash?
Hubbard squash is a cultivar of the species Cucurbita maxima. It is thought to have originated in South America before being brought to the United States in the late 1800s. The squash was named after Bela Hubbard, who promoted its cultivation. Other common names for Hubbard squash include golden Hubbard squash, blue Hubbard squash, and green Hubbard squash.
Hubbard squash typically ranges from 5 to 15 pounds in size, although they can grow even larger. The rind is bumpy and ranges in color from dark green to bright orange when ripe. The thick, coarse flesh is golden-yellow or orange and has a sweet, nutty flavor.
There are a few popular varieties of Hubbard squash, including:
- Blue Hubbard: Has a blue-gray skin and is one of the sweetest varieties.
- Golden Hubbard: Has a bright orange rind and is drier than other varieties.
- Green Hubbard: Has a dark green skin that changes to orange when ripe.
Hubbard squash is harvested in the fall when the rinds have hardened. It has a long storage life of up to 6 months when cured and kept in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Facts
Hubbard squash is highly nutritious and packs some impressive health benefits. Here is an overview of the nutrition found in 1 cup, cooked Hubbard squash (around 200g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 82 |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 22% DV |
| Vitamin C | 27% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
Hubbard squash contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and manganese. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Benefits
Consuming Hubbard squash offers many potential health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of adding this nutritious veggie to your diet:
May promote eye health
Hubbard squash is loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin A, two nutrients vital for eye health. Getting enough of these nutrients can help lower the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and slow age-related eye damage.
May reduce inflammation
The antioxidants in Hubbard squash, including vitamin C, manganese, and beta-carotene, can help fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to health issues like heart disease and arthritis.
May boost immunity
Hubbard squash contains a variety of nutrients important for immune function like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc. Eating more Hubbard squash may help give your immune system a boost.
May promote heart health
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline in Hubbard squash all support heart health. Getting enough of these nutrients may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease risk.
May aid blood sugar control
The fiber in Hubbard squash slows the digestion and absorption of sugars, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. The magnesium and manganese also help improve insulin sensitivity.
How to Select and Store
When shopping for Hubbard squash, look for squash that is heavy for its size with hard, shiny rinds free of blemishes. Ripe squash will have a more orange rind while green squash is not yet ripe.
Avoid squash with soft spots or mold. Squash that has been cured will store for longer than freshly harvested squash.
Store whole, uncut squash in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Once cut, squash should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Watch for signs of spoilage like mold, softening, or liquid leaking out of cuts.
Ways to Cook and Eat
Hubbard squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that lends itself well to both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this winter veggie:
Baked
Baking brings out Hubbard squash’s natural sweetness. Slice in half, remove seeds, brush with oil and bake cut-side down on a baking sheet until tender.
Mashed
After baking, scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash like potatoes. Season and enjoy as a side dish.
Roasted
Chopped Hubbard squash can be tossed in olive oil, herbs, and roasted at a high heat until caramelized.
Soups
Add cooked, mashed or pureed Hubbard squash to soups like butternut squash soup for extra thickness and nutrition.
Casseroles and pasta
Mix chunks of cooked Hubbard squash into casseroles, pasta dishes, stews and chilis.
Breads and muffins
Swap out pumpkin puree for cooked, mashed Hubbard in recipes for quick breads, muffins, and cakes.
Pies and custards
Hubbard can be used for sweet pies, tarts, and custards. Its texture is excellent for baking.
Recipes
Here are some tasty recipe ideas that highlight the many uses of Hubbard squash:
Roasted Hubbard Squash Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 Hubbard squash, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 5 oz baby kale
- 1⁄2 cup feta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup pine nuts
Instructions:
- Toss chopped squash with olive oil. Roast at 425°F for 25 mins until tender.
- In a salad bowl, mix roasted squash, kale, feta, and pine nuts.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and enjoy.
Creamy Hubbard Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 small Hubbard squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add Hubbard squash and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until squash is tender.
- Carefully transfer soup to blender and puree until smooth.
- Return to pot, stir in heavy cream and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Cinnamon Hubbard Squash Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed cooked Hubbard squash
- 1⁄4 cup melted butter
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1⁄2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix together mashed squash, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and stir just until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow bread to cool before slicing.
Conclusion
Hubbard squash is a versatile winter squash packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Its sweet, nutty flavor works great in both sweet and savory dishes. When cooked, Hubbard squash can be mashed, pureed, roasted, baked into breads and desserts, and added to soups and stews.
Hubbard squash provides a wide range of nutrients to support health. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A to promote good vision, vitamin C to boost immunity, and fiber to regulate blood sugar and appetite. This hearty winter squash stores well for months, making it a nutritious staple during colder months when other produce is less abundant.
With its health benefits and culinary versatility, Hubbard squash is far more than just Thanksgiving pie filling. Incorporate it into your diet and take advantage of its fantastic flavor and nutrition.