Most squash variety descriptions in garden catalogs describe varieties as "delicious", "sweet", "nutty", etc, and most gardeners don't have time or space to test every squash variety in their seed catalogs. My favorite is the Buttercup in its prime, which is not too often.

I have been growing the Delicata for a few years now and they are indeed delicious, sweet, and (to me), nutty. They only store for maybe 6 weeks, and one only needs to add margarine to bring out the flavor.

They have been around since the late 1800's, and fell from favor after the great depression due to susceptibility to disease. Cornell University has bred a disease resistant variety and they are again very popular. There is a long-vined variety and a short-vined (bush) variety.

I generally give some away and weeks later I always get complimentary remarks on how good that squash was. They are oval shaped and around 1 1/2 pounds. Anyone who loves to garden should give Delicata a try.


Another forgotten vegetable to try is the Lutz or Long Season table beet. These get very large (over 4 inches in diameter) and very sweet and delicious. Many catalogs carry this, also.

[Edited by Don Birkholz (3/16/2019 8:12:50 PM)]

Thanks for the tips, Don. I will look for the Delicta squash.

I personally far prefer butternut over buttercup squash, but everyone has their own tastes.