Why you should try them
- Easy to cook
- Easy to prepare
- Versatile
- Rich in nutritional value (antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A carotenes, Potassium and fibre)
- Low in calories
- Kids Love them!
- Eat in the shell – fill them with whatever you like!
Nutritional value
Squash are an excellent source of Vitamin A. They contain high levels of the pro-Vitamin A carotenes (á-carotene, â-carotene, â-cryptoxanthin) that the body converts to Vitamin A.
Vitamin A stimulates new cell growth, keeps cells healthy and can help us see in dim light.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are also found. Some Vitamin C, potassium and fibre are also supplied in useful amounts.
Gem Squash is surprisingly low in calories, containing less than vegetables of similar texture like kumara, parsnip and potatoes.
Due to it's high nutritional value it's the perfect vegetable for babies first food.
"recommended as the perfect baby superfood with antioxidants and nutrition all hidden in the tasty and colourful mash"
What are Gem Squash?
GEM SQUASH (Cucurbita pepo) is a variety of summer squash that was domesticated from two wild varieties; Cucurbita texana found in the southern and central United States and Cucurbita fraterna found in Mexico. The dark green spherical fruit, when fully ripe, is about the size of a softball (slightly larger than a tennis ball).
The fruit needs to be boiled or baked in order to render it palatable. The young fruit is often harvested before it is ripe (about golf ball size) due to its having a more delicate flavour and texture.
Commonly served vegetable in South Africa, often boiled or baked. The cooked Gem Squash is then generally cut in half, and the inside is commonly covered in butter or brown sugar to enhance flavor.
How to keep
Store at 12-14°C with an 85% relative humidity.
Consumer storage: Store in a cool, dark, dry place.
Once cut, remove the seeds, wrap in plastic film and refrigerate.
