Spaghetti squash is known by many names, including winter or calabash squash. However, its stringy inner texture closely resembles spaghetti pasta. Much larger than summer squash, a spaghetti squash is an oblong, slightly rounded squash with a skin similar to a summer squash. You can cook winter squash in a number of ways, including boiling and baking.
Significance
Although spaghetti squash may be known as winter squash, this vegetable is available year-round. Spaghetti squash typically weigh anywhere from 4 to 8 lbs., are 8 to 9 inches long and around 5 inches in diameter. Spaghetti squash is either a white/ivory color or pale yellow.
Features
Spaghetti squash is low in calories, yet high in vitamins and antioxidants. One cup of spaghetti squash has 42 calories and has no saturated fat or cholesterol, according to NutritionData. The vegetable is an excellent source of beta carotene, also is known as vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system and maintain healthy eye function. Spaghetti squash also contains significant amounts of niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, fiber and vitamin C, according to the World's Healthiest Foods.
Uses
When spaghetti squash is cooked, the inner flesh comes off the rind and separates into strands that closely resemble pasta. Because of this similarity, spaghetti squash can be served as a side dish or as a substitute for pasta. This is of special benefit because spaghetti squash is much lower in calories and more nutrient-rich than its pasta counterpart, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
Glycemic Index
Spaghetti squash ranks a 2 per serving on the glycemic index, according to NutritionData. Based on a scale of 100 (0 being the best), the glycemic index measures the impact on the blood sugar a certain food has. Foods high on the glycemic index cause blood sugar levels to spike, then drop suddenly. For this reason, foods that help maintain a steady level of blood sugar are considered preferable.
Considerations
Do not eat spaghetti squash that appear green-textured--which can indicate the squash is too young--or that has a significant number of dark spots--which can indicate the squash has gone bad. While summer squash remain edible when stored at room temperature for nearly a month, your squash should be tough on the outside and evenly colored. The yellow color indicates the presence of beta carotene, which means the vegetable is at its peak nutrient levels, according to the World's Healthiest Foods.
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