Acorn squash is a type of winter squash known for its acorn-shaped exterior and sweet, nutty flavor.
Although most acorn squashes have dark green skin, they can also be yellow, orange, or white, depending on the variety (1).
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular acorn squash varieties and where to find them.
1. Green acorn squash
Green acorn squash has dark green skin but may also have patches of bright orange, depending on its ripeness level.
It has starchy, light yellow-orange flesh with a tender, slightly stringy texture. Its flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and nutty.
Acorn squash is native to North America and was introduced to early European settlers by Native Americans, who had been using squash as a staple food for at least 5,000 years (2).
A popular variety of green acorn squash, known as the “Table Queen” was later developed in 1913 by the Iowa Seed Company of Des Moines (3).
Green acorn squash is the most common variety of acorn squash and can be found at most supermarkets, health food stores, and farmers’ markets.
2. Gold acorn squash
Gold acorn squash has bright orange skin and pale yellow flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor. It tends to have a more tender texture than other varieties.
The Jersey Golden, a variety of gold acorn squash, was developed in 1982 by Dr. Oved Shifriss, a renowned plant breeder and geneticist (4, 5).
Other varieties of gold acorn squash include Table Gold and Goldilocks.
Gold acorn squash is less common than green acorn squash but can sometimes be found at supermarkets, health food stores, and farmers’ markets.
3. White acorn squash
White acorn squash has moderately thick skin that ranges in color from creamy white to pale yellow.
This variety of acorn squash has a light yellow-orange flesh that becomes tender when cooked. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet, with notes of hazelnut and black pepper.
White acorn squash is a newer variety that was developed in the 1980s by Glenn Drowns, a squash expert and collector (6).
Although less common than other varieties, white acorn squash can sometimes be found at farmers’ markets and specialty produce stores.
If you have a garden, you can also purchase white acorn squash seeds online to grow on your own.
4. Yellow acorn squash
Yellow acorn squash has bright yellow skin with light orange stripes inside the ridges that run down the length of the squash.
Yellow acorn squash is relatively rare but can occasionally be found at farmers’ markets and specialty produce stores.
Final thoughts
There are many acorn squash varieties available, each with its own unique color, flavor, and texture.
Green acorn squash is the most common variety, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try gold acorn squash, white acorn squash, or yellow acorn squash.
No matter which acorn squash variety you choose, you’re sure to enjoy its sweet, nutty flavor. So give it a try and see which acorn squash variety you like best!
Amy Richter is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Missouri. She is an experienced nutrition writer and medical advisor for Healthline and Medical News Today. Amy is passionate about all things food-related and enjoys translating complex science into easy-to-understand articles.
