Food Town Picking, Preparing and Decorating with Fall Squash

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, there’s one crop that takes center stage at Food Town: fall squash. These seasonal staples come in all shapes, sizes and colors — from deep orange pumpkins to striped delicata and nutty butternut. They’re more than just pretty additions to your produce basket, too. Fall squash is packed with nutrients, affordable enough to feed a crowd and sturdy enough to last on your counter for weeks.

From hearty soups and cozy casseroles to festive porch displays and even DIY table centerpieces, these colorful beauties are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you’re a longtime squash lover who looks forward to gourd season all year or you’re just dipping your toes into seasonal cooking, this guide will walk you through the essentials. We’ll cover which varieties to look for, how to choose the best squash at the store and ways to cook — or decorate with — it. By the end, you’ll be ready to make the most of fall’s favorite harvest, right from your neighborhood Food Town.

Types of Squash to Know

Did you know there are more than two dozen types of squash? While some are available year-round, fall is when they truly shine. Here are some of the most popular fall squash varieties you’ll find at your neighborhood Food Town — and a few ideas for how to enjoy them:

• Acorn Squash: Small, ridged and shaped like an acorn, this variety is perfect for roasting. Its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with herbs and savory fillings. Try stuffing acorn squash with sausage, rice or seasonal veggies for a hearty main dish — or roasting it with a drizzle of maple syrup for an easy side.
• Butternut Squash: Sweet, smooth and versatile, butternut squash is a fall favorite for a reason. It blends beautifully into soups and is a great addition to a roasted veggie medley. Its natural sweetness also shines when added to baked goods.
• Spaghetti Squash: When baked, this oval yellow squash separates into noodle-like strands, making it a gluten-free alternative to pasta. Toss it with marinara, garlic butter or Parmesan for a light but filling meal.
• Delicata Squash: Known for its striped appearance and tender flesh, delicata is unique because you can eat the skin. Slice it into rings and roast with olive oil and spices, and you’ve got an easy side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
• Pumpkin: No roundup would be complete without the pumpkin. Beyond carving, it’s the star of pies, breads and savory soups. For a sweet treat, check out our Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Pie Bites, a seasonal dessert that always disappears fast.
• Food Town Tip: Our Pumpkins 101 blog post covers tips for selecting your ideal option based on whether you plan to cook it, carve it or decorate with it.
• Calabaza: Common in Caribbean and Latin cooking, calabaza has a sweet, earthy flavor and bright orange flesh. It shines in hearty dishes like stews, and our Calabaza Soup is a must-try for chilly nights.

How to Choose the Best Squash

A delicious dish starts with picking the right produce. Here’s what to look for when choosing fall squash at your local grocery store.

• Check the Skin: Look for rich, even coloring. A few pale spots are fine (that’s just where the squash rested on the ground), but avoid squash with cracks, bruises or soft spots.
• Pick it Up: Squash should feel heavy for its size. That’s a sign that it’s dense and full of flavor.
• Inspect the Stem: A firm, intact stem means the squash has been harvested and stored properly.
• Ripeness Matters: Fully ripe squash will have deep color and a firm texture. Green or underripe squash won’t develop the same flavor once picked.

Keep these helpful tips in mind, and you’ll know you’re bringing home squash that’s ripe, full of flavor and ready to use in your next recipe or fall centerpiece.

How to Cook Squash

Once you’ve picked your squash, the fun really begins. One of the best things about it is its versatility. From roasting to pureeing, it adapts to countless recipes. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions as it relates to how to cook squash.

• Roast it: Cut squash into cubes, drizzle it with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and your favorite spices. Then, roast it until caramelized. This option is perfect for side dishes, salads and grain bowls.
• Stuff it: Hollow out acorn or delicata squash halves and fill them with rice, sausage, lentils or vegetables for a cozy one-dish meal.
• Blend it: Puree butternut or calabaza for soups and sauces. Our One-Pan Ratatouille is a great example of how squash brings depth and flavor to classic dishes.
• Bake it: Add pumpkin or butternut squash puree to muffins, breads and pies for a sweet seasonal twist.
• Swap it: Use spaghetti squash as a lower-carb alternative to pasta. Top it with marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce for a satisfying comfort food.

Food Town Tip: Roast extra squash on Sunday and use it throughout the week in salads, tacos, soups and breakfast scrambles!

Incorporating Decorative Squash into Your Home

Fall squash isn’t just for eating. It’s also a beautiful way to bring autumn charm into your living space. With their rich colors and long shelf life, squash varieties can serve as both décor and tasty meal options later on. Here are some fun ideas for decorative squash.

• Table Centerpieces: Arrange a mix of small pumpkins, acorn squash and gourds in a basket or along your dining table runner. Add candles or fall leaves for extra flair.
• Carving and Painting: Classic jack-o’-lanterns never go out of style, but you can also try painting pumpkins with metallics, patterns or chalkboard paint for a modern twist. Need inspiration? Check out our Check out our Pumpkin Fun Pinterest board for creative ideas and Halloween treats.
• DIY Vases: Hollow out a butternut squash or small pumpkin to use as a vase for seasonal flowers.
• Porch Décor: Stack different sizes of squash and pumpkins by your door for a welcoming fall display.
• Edible Décor: After the season, roast or cook the squash you’ve displayed. (Just be sure to give it a good wash first!) It’s a sustainable way to decorate and enjoy your food.

Whether you’re roasting butternut for dinner, decorating with colorful acorn squash or carving pumpkins with the family, your neighborhood Food Town makes it easy — and affordable — to celebrate the season. Stop in and see what’s fresh this week, and take home everything you need for fall eats, décor and more. After all, at Food Town, it’s your town.

Normal Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.