When you think of autumn, you think of squash! This vegetable belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and there are many varieties with different shape and flavour, but all of them are very popular for their delicate taste and versatility, as well as their countless benefits.

The pumpkin, a type of squash, is also one of the most famous symbols of Halloween, due to the legend of the Irish blacksmith, Jack O’Lantern, which is undoubtedly the most famous tale linked to this celebration. In this news section, we’ll discover some of its main benefits.

It boosts the immune system. Your body is usually more exposed to seasonal ailments during autumn. The vitamin C found in squash flesh is a good way to boost your immune system and prevent colds, sore throats and other symptoms of flu.

It cures constipation. The high amount of water and fibre in squash flesh helps ensure proper bowel movements, so it is useful if you are suffering from constipation. Fibre also helps make you feel fuller.

It prevents cardiovascular diseases. The high Omega 3 content in squash seeds is useful for helping lower blood pressure and preventing certain heart and circulatory diseases. Walnuts, spinach and soya are also excellent sources of this nutrient.

It protects the urinary tracts. The cucurbitin found in both squash seeds and its flesh helps prevent urinary tract disorders, such as cystitis. To warm you up on those autumn evenings, try making a herbal tea from squash seeds by leaving them to simmer for about half an hour in water or milk. You will get a drink that tastes a little like barley water.

It nourishes the skin. It is great for your body and your looks! In fact, squash flesh has soothing properties and can be used to make nourishing body creams and fortifying hair masks.

Squash is great for making many dishes: gnocchi, puréed soups and stuffed potatoes, to name but a few. The seeds, once dried, are a perfect hunger-busting, healthy snack and can be used to enrich salads, biscuits, cakes and other leavened products.

But how do you choose the right squash for your recipe? In fact, each variety is great for making different dishes (we also spoke about this here: autumnal vegetable gardens). For example, it is better to use Mantuan squash for stuffed dishes, butternut squash for minestrone and puréed or normal soups, and the Atlantic Giant for desserts.

Image by Kerstin Wrba from Unsplash