Delicata squash ~ HELP pease!

[Tisme]

Hi everyone,
I saw a post a while ago about this squash and decided to plant some this year.
They have done really well ~BUT I am not sure when to pick them, some sites say young but some of the recipes I see they are yellow inside.
Mine are white inside. Any ideas on when I should pick them, or what to do with them when I do pick them....Nothing like being organized and asking before the grow!
Also any Tomato or passionfruit recipes that I could preserve would be welcomed.
I have frozen heaps (soup etc) and making chutney today and tomorrow, but would love any ideas.

[Kchurchill5]

First, I know you said tomatoes too ... I freeze mine whole. NO peeling or anything. Once thawed on the counter, the skins come right off. Perfect for sauce.

http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/balsam ... atoes-9770 this is a favorite; great to add to sandwiches, burgers, on salads, etc. And, easy to make.

Another easy favorite http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/easy-s ... o-jam-9321
Great on burgers, sandwiches, with cream cheese on crackers, etc.
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Passion fruit; I have only made jam or jelly before. Not sure what else. Sorry
---------------------------------
Back with squash ...

[Kchurchill5]

I don't think your squash is ready to harvest. The skin will turn a light creamy color not white; and, the inside should be creamy colored as well.

Once the leaves die off; the stem will still be green. If it is still green ... the squash is not ready.

A little over 3 months of growing is what it takes. Then, always cure your squash. Basically leave it in the sun; or a warm place inside for 2-3 days after picking before cooking. That goes for any winter squash.

I used to roast mine; or a pan saute, they remind me of pattypan squash. You can eat the seeds too, roasted - like pumpkin. Good in a stir fry too.

[Tisme]

First, I know you said tomatoes too ... I freeze mine whole. NO peeling or anything. Once thawed on the counter, the skins come right off. Perfect for sauce.

http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/balsam ... atoes-9770 this is a favorite; great to add to sandwiches, burgers, on salads, etc. And, easy to make.

Another easy favorite http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/easy-s ... o-jam-9321
Great on burgers, sandwiches, with cream cheese on crackers, etc.
---------------------------------
Passion fruit; I have only made jam or jelly before. Not sure what else. Sorry
---------------------------------
Back with squash ...

Thanks so much KC, I have been making slow roasted tomato's to freeze but must try your recipe (Balsamic and Thyme Slow Roasted Tomatoes) as it is a little different to the way I make mine. I also would love to try you Easy Spicy Tomato Jam recipe and try bottling them (if I get any spare time) ;)
I love the tomato's roasted they are so sweet and have so much flavour.

[Tisme]

I don't think your squash is ready to harvest. The skin will turn a light creamy color not white; and, the inside should be creamy colored as well.

Once the leaves die off; the stem will still be green. If it is still green ... the squash is not ready.

A little over 3 months of growing is what it takes. Then, always cure your squash. Basically leave it in the sun; or a warm place inside for 2-3 days after picking before cooking. That goes for any winter squash.

I used to roast mine; or a pan saute, they remind me of pattypan squash. You can eat the seeds too, roasted - like pumpkin. Good in a stir fry too.

Thanks so much KC, I will leave them on the bush then.
They are not used much here, but they sound like you treat them the same as pumpkin.
It was so hard to find the seeds (I saw Luvcookn) used some in a recipe and they got me intrigued.

[59chevymom]

I wish I had some advise Tisme I`ve never plated squash

[Tisme]

I wish I had some advise Tisme I`ve never plated squash

Thanks chevymom, I grow zucchini, but this looks a little different.
We might both learn something. ;) ;)

[Kchurchill5]

The squash is a winter squash; but, it has a lighter flavor and texture. You slice and roast it or even saute it. It is very good. You will definitely enjoy it.