Yes, raw squash is edible: tips & benefits – Neary

Can you eat raw squash?

The answer is clear: yes, squash can be eaten raw 🥗! Whether it's butternut squash, pumpkin, or butternut squash, you can enjoy them without cooking. Their slightly sweet and crunchy flesh is a change from classic vegetables. For a top taste experience, choose fresh, ripe, and organic squash 🌱.

Raw squash is a welcome addition to your meals, adding color, texture, and vitamins. It's a great way to refresh your fall salads or winter crudités. Try it—you'll be surprised!

Tips for cooking raw squash

• Choose your squash wisely : Butternut squash and pumpkin are perfect raw. Butternut squash has a sweet flesh, pumpkin has a nutty flavor 🥜.
• To peel or not to peel? The thin skin of the organic pumpkin is edible, but that of the butternut squash is thicker: peel it for more tenderness.
• Cutting : Grate the squash, slice it thinly into carpaccio, or cut it into small cubes for crunchy salads.
• Clever seasoning : A squeeze of lemon, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs… And a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors! 🍋🌿
• Express marinade : For extra sweetness, marinate for a few minutes with balsamic vinegar or lemon 🍶.

The benefits of raw squash

Eating raw squash means enjoying all its nutrients, unaltered by cooking. It's rich in vitamins (A, C, B9), fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Its carotenoid content gives a healthy glow and boosts immunity 💪. It's also very low in calories, perfect for a healthy and delicious diet!

Raw squash retains all its crunch and delicate flavor. It aids digestion, promotes satiety, and adds color to your dishes. In short, it's a great way to vary your pleasures without feeling guilty! 🧡

Precautions and advice for consuming raw squash

• Beware of bitter gourds! If the flesh is very bitter, do not eat it. Some “ornamental” or hybrid gourds contain cucurbitacin (toxic). Always taste a small piece before preparing your dish 🛑.
• Wash and peel well : Especially if you're eating the skin, choose organic and scrub the squash well under running water. Avoid eating the seeds and thick skin of unsuitable varieties.
• Quantity : Start with small portions if you've never eaten raw squash before. Some people may have trouble digesting a large amount of fiber at once.
• Pregnant women and children : Choose a very fresh and well-washed squash, or consult your doctor if in doubt 🤰.

Recipe ideas with raw squash

1. Butternut Slice Carpaccio : Slice the butternut very thinly, add walnut oil, parmesan, pumpkin seeds and some roasted hazelnuts 🥜.
2. Vitamin-packed salad : A mix of raw pumpkin slices, grated carrots, green apple, and lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a peppy starter! 🍏
3. Autumn Coleslaw : Grate raw squash, red cabbage, carrot, add a yogurt-mustard sauce and some seeds.
4. Also try Marmiton's trendy recipe to vary the pleasures! 🍽️
5. For an “air fryer” version, consult our Air Fryer guide (even if the squash is cooked in it, you will find tips for combining it with raw vegetables).

Tip: You can prepare your raw squash slices in advance and store them in the fridge for 24 hours in an airtight container to save time in the kitchen ⏰.

FAQ: Raw Squash, What You Need to Know