Можно ли есть желудь: Можно ли есть желуди дуба людям?

Желуди: можно ли есть, полезные свойства и противопоказания ореховидного плода

Каштаны и желуди самые распространенные плоды осеннего леса. Покрытые твердой скорлупой со смешной шляпкой сверху жёлуди являются любимым лакомством свиней, а вот о том, что их можно употребить в пищу и людям знают далеко не все. Более того многие люди не знают желудь это орех или нет. Давайте разбираться.

Что такое желудь

Орехами считают плоды некоторых растений (обычно деревьев или кустарников) покрытые твердой скорлупой и съедобным ядром. Однако ботаники не относят плоды дуба к орехам, а рассматривают как ореховидный плод под названием желудь. Отличие от орешка в том, что околоплодник у желудя не такой жесткий, а у основания он окружен плюской чашевидной формы с защитным покрывалом. Такая форма делает его незаменимым материалом для хенд-мейда

Желуди растут везде, где есть деревья и кустарники семейства буковых, даже каштан, по сути, является именно желудем. Однако желудем у нас считают именно плоды дубов, а их на планете более 500 видов, и практически все их них являются деревьями-долгожителями. Ареал произрастания достаточно широк – практически вся Европа, Северная Корея, Китай, запад Северной Америки.

Дубы уникальные деревья, они не только способны вырасти из маленького желудя, который прорастая, формирует побеги и корень, но и восстанавливаются молодые деревья после повреждений быстро. Именно благодаря большому запасу питательных веществ в желуде первые 12 месяцев дуб быстро вырастает. Если в первый год произрастания побег повреждается, то он будет каждый раз расти заново, однако в большое дерево уже не вырастет, а станет тонкоствольным деревцем или будет выглядеть как кустарник кустарником.

Плодоносить дуб начинает после 20-50 лет жизни в зависимости от разновидности. Один гектар дубов может дать до 2 т зрелых желудей, меняющих свой цвет в период созревания от зеленого до желто-соломенного и светло-коричневого.

Свойства желудей

Полезные свойства плодов дуба известны были человечеству еще более 4000 лет назад, так при раскопках археологи часто находят отпечатки и окаменелые желуди в древних печах. Древние славяне считали дуб символом крепкого здоровья и силы и верили, что это дерево может помочь при смертельных ранениях.

Уникальный состав желудей оказывает противоопухолевое и бактерицидное воздействия, и может помочь при патологиях мочеполовой системы, заболеваниях десен, энурезе, гинекологических заболеваниях.

 Химический состав

Плоды дуба обладают уникальным составом, они богаты белком, углеводами, сахарами, крахмалом и жирными маслами. Так же в желудях содержатся:

• витамины группы В,
• витамин РР,
• кальций,
• магний,
• калий,
• фосфор,
• железо,
• цинк,
• медь,
• марганец.

Они калорийны – на 100 грамм приходится 387 ккал, жиров – 24% и 40% углеводов.

Применение желудей

Желудь, считается кормом для животных, особенно свиней, однако это не единственное его применение. Плоды дуба действительно используют для кормления домашнего скота: овец, свиней и даже курей, так как добавление муки из плодов дуба способствует увеличению у них несения яиц. Животные едят их с удовольствием.

Интересно! Свиньи едят только спелые желуди, зелеными они брезгуют.

Применение в кулинарии

Желуди едят и люди, если несколько тысяч лет назад мука из них была довольно распространённым продуктом, то сейчас ее мало кто использует. Из муки плодов дуба готовят блины, лепешки, хлеб, каши и пудинги. Применяют их как в свежем, так и в высушенном виде, особенно популярными они являются в азиатских странах, где их применяют для изготовления сладостей.

Перед тем как использовать желудь его следует вымочить в течение двух дней, предварительно разрезав его на части. Во время вымачивания несколько раз в день меняется вода. Такая процедура нужна для вымывания танинов, придающих ему горечь. Далее он используется, как указано в рецепте. Часто его едят в различной выпечке, для чего необходимо изготовить на кофемолке муку.

Популярным является напиток из измельчённых плодов дуба, вкусом он напоминает кофе, но в нем нет кофеина, но зато присутствует масса полезных веществ, и зависимость к такому напитку не возникает. Приготовить такой кофе можно и в домашних условиях, однако употребление желудевого кофе противопоказано детям.

Применение в медицине

Желуди нашли свое применение и в медицине. Химический состав плодов улучшает пищеварение, положительно влияет на нервную систему, регулирует уровень холестерина в крови, укрепляет иммунитет.

Для приготовления различных рецептов нетрадиционной медицины необходимо собирать уже опавшие плоды, и обязательно просушить для распада флавонола и кверцетина, крайне вредных для человеческого организма. Так в народной медицине плоды дуба применяются для:

• регуляции кровотечения во время менструаций,
• лечения туберкулеза,
• усиления потенции,
• терапии бронхита, астмы,
• профилактике тромбозы вен.

Также желуди нашли свое применение и в индустрии красоты, с их помощью женщины окрашивают волосы, благодаря полезным свойствам волосы еще и укрепятся.

Противопоказание к употреблению – индивидуальная непереносимость.

Как вырастить дуб в домашних условиях

Вырастить дуб можно и самостоятельно, главное правильно посадить желудь. Сажать в домашних условиях следует только созревшие желуди, собранные в конце сентября. Для этого следует выбрать качественные желуди, для этого они помещаются в воду, если они всплыли, то для посадки они не подходят.

Заниматься посадкой следует в октябре. Отобранные семена герметично упаковываются и помещаются в холодное место, лучше в холодильник, на 1,5 — 2 месяца. В пакете обязательно должна быть питательная среда, это могут быть мох или древесная стружка. Это необходимо для имитации естественного холода зимой и дальнейшего выращивания дуба в естественной среде.

Семена начинают произрастать уже в холодильнике, корень начнет прорывать оболочку плода в ноябре – декабре. Однако даже если этого не произошло через 40 дней плод готов к посадке.

Каждый желудь следует положить в отдельный горшочек с качественным грунтом, не глубоко. Корешок следует прикапывать аккуратно, а сам плод осторожно придавить одной стороной в почву. Посажёную рассаду следует регулярно поливать и следить, чтобы горшок находился на солнечной стороне.

Пересаживать рассаду стоит после того как растение вырастет не менее чем на 10 см и не появятся первые листочки. Высаживать необходимо в место с хорошим солнечным освещением, так же лучше, если рядом не будет больших деревьев. Если дуб посажено правильно, то уже через 20 лет наступит первый сбор урожая.

90000 Can You Eat Acorns? Nutrition, Benefits, and Dangers 90001 90002 Acorns are the nuts of oak trees, which grow abundantly across the globe. 90003 90002 Once a staple food for various societies, acorns are not as frequently consumed today (1). 90003 90002 Though these nuts are packed with nutrients, it’s often debated whether they’re safe to eat. 90003 90002 This article tells you whether acorns are edible and explores their nutrients, benefits, and dangers. 90003 90002 Acorns have gained a bad reputation because they contain tannins — a group of bitter plant compounds that may be harmful when consumed in high amounts.90003 90002 Tannins are considered an antinutrient, which means that they reduce your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food (2). 90003 90002 Additionally, consuming high amounts of tannins may lead to adverse health effects, such as severe liver damage and cancer (3). 90003 90002 However, most of the tannins leach out of acorns when they’re prepared for consumption — often by soaking or boiling. While no studies exist on the toxicity of raw acorns in humans, these nuts are rarely eaten raw (1, 4).90003 90002 In fact, people have been safely consuming acorns for thousands of years (5, 6, 7). 90003 90020 90021 Summary 90022 While raw acorns harbor high amounts of potentially harmful plant compounds called tannins, properly cooked acorns are low in tannins and generally safe to eat. 90023 90002 Though the exact nutrient profile depends on the species of acorn, all are packed with essential nutrients. 90003 90002 Acorns are especially high in potassium, iron, vitamins A and E, and several other important minerals (8).90003 90002 Plus, these nuts are low in calories. Most of their calories come in the form of healthy unsaturated fats (9). 90003 90002 A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of dried acorns contains the following nutrients (1, 10, 11): 90003 90032 90033 90021 Calories: 90022 144 90036 90033 90021 Protein: 90022 2 grams 90036 90033 90021 Fat: 90022 9 grams 90036 90033 90021 Carbs: 90022 15 grams 90036 90033 90021 Fiber: 90022 4 grams 90036 90033 90021 Vitamin A: 90022 44% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) 90036 90033 90021 Vitamin E: 90022 20% of the RDI 90036 90033 90021 Iron : 90022 19% of the RDI 90036 90033 90021 Manganese: 90022 19% of the RDI 90036 90033 90021 Potassium: 90022 12% of the RDI 90036 90033 90021 Vitamin B6: 90022 10% of the RDI 90036 90033 90021 Folate: 90022 8% of the RDI 90036 90081 90002 Scientists have also identified over 60 beneficial plant compounds in acorns, including catechins, resveratrol, quercetin, and gallic acid — potent antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage (1).90003 90002 These antioxidants are linked to numerous health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (12, 13). 90003 90020 90021 Summary 90022 Acorns are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. They are particularly good sources of vitamins A and E. 90023 90002 Acorns may have several health benefits, as long as they’re properly prepared and not eaten raw. 90003 90092 May improve gut health 90093 90002 The bacteria in your gut play a key role in your overall health.An imbalance of these bacteria has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and bowel diseases (14, 15, 16, 17). 90003 90002 Acorns are a great source of fiber, which nourishes your beneficial gut bacteria (18, 19). 90003 90002 Additionally, acorns have long been used as an herbal remedy to treat stomach pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and other common digestive complaints (20). 90003 90002 In a 2-month study in 23 adults with persistent indigestion, those who took 100 mg of acorn extract had less overall stomach pain than those who took a cornstarch capsule (20).90003 90002 However, this study used highly concentrated extract. It’s not known whether whole acorns would have the same effect. 90003 90002 More research on their digestive effects is needed. 90003 90092 Rich in antioxidants 90093 90002 Antioxidants are compounds that defend your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals (21). 90003 90002 Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (22, 23, 24).90003 90002 Acorns are rich in antioxidants like vitamins A and E, as well as numerous other plant compounds (1, 25, 26, 27). 90003 90002 One animal study noted that an antioxidant-rich acorn extract reduced inflammation in rats with reproductive damage (28). 90003 90002 That said, human research is needed. 90003 90092 Abundant in the wild 90093 90002 Over 450 species of oak worldwide produce acorns. These are mainly in the Northern Hemisphere (1). 90003 90002 From fall to early spring, you can find hundreds — if not thousands — of mature acorns on the ground below these trees.These nuts are considered safe to forage, but you should watch out for rotten ones. Green, unripe specimens should likewise not be gathered. 90003 90002 If collected in the wild, acorns can be a free, nutritious, and sustainable local food choice. 90003 90020 90021 Summary 90022 Acorns, which are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, may have several benefits. These include improved gut health and a lower risk of chronic illnesses. 90023 90002 Although acorns offer several benefits, they also have potential drawbacks.90003 90092 Raw ones may be unsafe 90093 90002 As mentioned above, the tannins in raw acorns function as antinutrients, reducing your absorption of certain food compounds. They’re also linked to certain cancers and may cause liver damage when consumed in high amounts (2, 3). 90003 90002 Some people report nausea and constipation from raw acorns, though this has not been confirmed by research. What’s more, the tannins give these nuts a bitter flavor. 90003 90002 Thus, is not recommended to eat raw acorns (1).90003 90002 You can easily remove the tannins by boiling or soaking your acorns. This process eliminates their bitterness and makes them safe to eat. 90003 90092 May cause allergic reactions 90093 90002 Acorns are a tree nut, which is one of the most common allergens worldwide. 90003 90002 In fact, up to 1.2% of the U.S. population is allergic to one or more tree nuts (29). 90003 90002 Allergic reactions to tree nuts range from mild itching, scratchy throat, and watery eyes to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening response that can cause extreme difficulty breathing (30).90003 90002 If you’re allergic to other tree nuts, you should avoid acorns unless cleared to consume them by your healthcare practitioner. 90003 90092 Can be difficult to prepare 90093 90002 Collecting and preparing acorns can be time-consuming. Though abundant in the wild, they’re not commonly sold in grocery stores. 90003 90002 You may need to order them online if you’re unable to forage your own. 90003 90002 You also have to leach them of their tannins to reduce their bitterness and ensure that they are safe to eat.This can be done by boiling or soaking. 90003 90002 Though this process is quite simple, it may feel cumbersome — especially since other nuts are readily available and much easier to eat. 90003 90020 90021 Summary 90022 Acorns may have several downsides, including allergic reactions. In addition, raw acorns harbor poisonous tannins and are not recommended for consumption. 90023 90002 Raw acorns contain high amounts of tannins — a chemical that makes them bitter and possibly unsafe to eat in large quantities.90003 90002 Nonetheless, it’s possible to remove the tannins in several ways. 90003 90002 One of these methods is boiling. Foragers and harvesters often recommend the following steps: 90003 90172 90033 Look for fully mature, brown acorns with the caps still attached. Avoid green, unripe acorns, as these are higher in tannins. 90036 90033 Rinse your acorns thoroughly to remove any contaminants, such as dirt and small insects. Throw out any rotten nuts. 90036 90033 Remove the hard shells using a nutcracker.90036 90033 Boil the raw acorns in a pot for 5 minutes, or until the water turns dark brown. Strain the nuts using a colander, discarding the dark water. 90036 90033 Repeat this step until the water boils clear. 90036 90183 90002 After the tannins are leached out, the nuts are considered safe to eat. You can roast them in the oven at 375 ° F (190 ° C) for 15-20 minutes for a quick and nutritious snack. 90003 90002 To satisfy your sweet tooth, try roasting them with honey or tossing them with cinnamon sugar after baking.Dried acorns can also be ground into flour for use in breads and pastries. 90003 90020 90021 Summary 90022 Foraged acorns should be cleaned, shelled, and boiled to reduce their levels of harmful tannins. They can then be roasted for an easy snack or ground into flour for baking. 90023 90002 Raw acorns are considered unsafe due to their tannins, which are toxic if consumed in high amounts. 90003 90002 However, you can remove the tannins by boiling or soaking. Properly prepared acorns are perfectly edible and full of nutrients like iron and manganese.Delicious roasted, they can also be ground into flour. 90003 90002 If you’re interested in foraging and preparing your own food in the wild, acorns could make an enticing addition to your diet. 90003.90000 Acorns And Dogs Do not Mix 90001 90002 With acorns and oak leaves covering the ground this time of year, many people do not think much of letting their dogs pick up a leaf or acorn, but the fact is that acorns and oak leaves are both toxic to dogs. 90003 90004 Are Acorns And Oak Leaves Safe For Dogs? 90005 90002 The toxic principle is unknown, but they do contain gallotanins, a combination of gallic acid and tannic acid which can be harmful to dogs causing stomach upset and even kidney disease.90003 90002 While some dogs may ingest acorns without severe issues, acorns can commonly cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. This can include bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and general discomfort for your dog. There is also risk of obstruction or irritation from the actual acorns or pieces of acorns, especially in smaller dogs. 90003 90002 More serious illness from acorns and oak trees often comes from dogs consuming large quantities of young oak leaves or acorns, but keep in mind, depending on the size of your dog, «large quantities» is a relative term.90003 90002 Signs of more serious illness often include a loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, and lethargy. 90003 90002 I know of two Chihuahua puppies who were seen chewing on a couple of acorns. They developed a bloody diarrhea and their kidney values ​​became markedly elevated. In spite of emergency treatment, they died of renal failure. While death is not a common result, it can happen. 90003 90002 It’s always best to be cautious and contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has eaten acorns or oak leaves.90003 90002 An additional danger to keep in mind is water that has acorns or oak leaves in it. Acorns, oak buds, leaves and drinking water that acorns and oak leaves have soaked in, have all caused symptoms of oak poisoning in dogs. 90003 90002 If possible, minimize your dogs ‘exposure to acorns, and be especially careful that their dog bowls for food or water are not contaminated. 90003 90002 Oak trees are very common and most people do not have problems, but they are not the trees of choice to have in a backyard full of pets.Since there are a variety of oak trees, leaves and acorns can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Familiarize yourself with the trees in your area to identify them appropriately and ensure your dog steers clear. 90003 90002 If you live in an area where acorns are a common occurrence, teach your dog «leave it» and «drop it» commands which are helpful in any situation. Also consider bringing your own healthy dog ​​treats or toys on walks to help keep your dogs focus away from the acorns. If the acorns are in your own back yard, make sure to rake leaves and acorns regularly.90003 90004 Acorn Fast Facts 90005 90028 90029 Acorns and oak leaves contain a combination of gallic acid and tannic acid which can be harmful to pets. 90030 90029 If a dog has eaten an acorn, symptoms can include stomach discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. 90030 90029 More severe poisoning may occur in smaller dogs or dogs who have eaten a larger quantity of acorns. 90030 90029 Because they are hard and sharp, acorns can also cause obstruction and internal damage. 90030 90029 Water that has been exposed to oak leaves or acorns (example leaf or acorn falls in water dish) can also be poisonous.90030 90029 Avoid acorns by brining treats and dog toys to distract your dog. 90030 90029 If your dog has eaten acorns or oak leaves, always be safe and contact your veterinarian. 90030 90043 90002 90045 More Dog Poisons You Need To Know About 90046: 90003 90048 90002 90050 By: Jon Geller, DVM 90051 90003 .90000 Yes, It Is Possible to Eat Too Many Vegetables 90001 90002 The catch-all mantra «Eat better, not less!» is often paired with images of voluptuous and 90003 vegetable-filled plates 90004 — great heaps of greens, leaves, and cruciferous clusters of 90003 fiber-rich foods 90004 practically spill over the sides of their ceramic platters. But is loading up solely on vegetables 90007 really 90008 such a good idea? 90009 90002 No, it is not. In fact, it’s a really bad idea. 90009 90002 Eating too many vegetables could be just as unhealthy as eating not 90007 enough 90008 vegetables, just in a different way.All those health bloggers with plates composed solely of veggies and a drizzle of tahini are actually fostering 90003 some really unhealthy habits 90004. 90009 90002 We all know what happens when you eat too much fat, too much sugar, or 90003 too much sodium 90004. The effects, ranging from diabetes to heart disease, are practically shoved down our throats — much more so than any of those foods are actually shoved down our throats in the level of excess required to cause those drawbacks. But here’s why it’s possible to eat too many vegetables.90009 90002 90003 That’s, like, 90007 so 90008 much fiber 90004 90027 You’re supposed to have around 25 grams per day, according to 90003 the National Institutes of Health’s guidelines 90004. A cup of vegetables (depending, of course, on the vegetable) contains 8 grams on average. Four cups of vegetables already puts you over the bar. To give you some reference, the average small bowl holds about three to four cups. 90009 90002 A large plateful is 90007 absolutely 90008 already more than your daily value.90009 90002 That being said, it’s okay to eat more than your recommended daily value of fiber. The NIH guideline represents an ideal intake, not a maximum, and many people eat more than 25 grams of fiber a day without experiencing any consequences. The trouble happens when you far exceed the amount your stomach can handle — an uncomfortable experience that can result in 90003 digestive distress, gas, bloating, and severe constipation. 90004 90003 90004 90009 90002 It can also cause 90003 nutrient deficiencies 90004.When your stomach is so preoccupied trying to process all those plants, it does not have any capacity to absorb the other nutrients you’re eating. Hence: deficiency. Too many vegetables could actually make your other food 90007 less 90008 healthy. 90009 90002 90003 Your skin can turn orange 90004 90027 Like you hit the tanning bed and it went 90007 so 90008 wrong. 90009 90002 Many vegetables contain carotenoids — a compound found in orange plants that can be immensely helpful for the health of your eyesight.However, in excess the compound gets circulated through your blood and 90003 can end up showing on your skin 90004. The discoloration is only temporary, and it’s not actually harmful — it’s just awkward. 90009 90002 90003 There is a threshold beyond which vegetables are no longer good for you 90004 90027 Your body can only process so much of the same nutrient at one time. Just like eating too many multivitamins does not infinitely fill you with nutrients, neither does eating too many vegetables.90009 90002 Where’s the sweet spot? According to results from 90003 a recent study 90004, three to four servings of vegetables was deemed ideal. Any more than that, and the longevity benefits dissipated. 90009 90002 90003 You’ll trick your brain into thinking you’re full when you need to eat more 90004 90027 Since your stomach will be filled to the brim with stems and leaves, you will not have much room for the other types of foods you need to stay healthy. Without even realizing it, you could end up undereating 90003 some key nutrients 90004 such as protein, fats, and carbohydrates (all of which are 90007 kind of 90008 a big deal).90009 90002 We could all stand to think about the bias we have in favor vegetables over all other food. Why is it that eating too many vegetables — a dietary habit with just as many health drawbacks as too much of any other food — is never shamed or looked down upon, but eating too much meat, dairy, or carbohydrates is? 90009 90002 Too much of anything is probably not a good idea. If you’re curious about other healthy foods ‘effects when consumed in excess, 90003 here’s what happens to your body if you eat too much protein.90004 90009.90000 How to Roast an Acorn Squash 90001 90002 90002 90004 90004 90006 Learning 90007 How to Roast an Acorn Squash 90008 is super easy and takes just two simple ingredients. Healthy and packed full of delicious vitamins and nutrients, enjoy this healthy baked squash as a side or eat them stuffed for a fun, fall meal. 90009 90006 90011 90011 90009 90014 What is Acorn Squash? 90015 90006 Acorn squash (90017 Cucurbita pepo), 90018 while typically considered a winter squash, is part of the same species as summer squash (zucchini and crookneck squash).Indigenous to North and Central America, it produces yellow trumpet-looking flowers that are edible. 90009 90020 The 90007 most nutrient-dense of all summer squash 90008, acorn squash — 90009 90024 90025 Are a great source of vitamin C which helps boost immunity. 90026 90025 High in fiber (2.1 grams per 1 cup). 90026 90025 High in potassium (486 mg per 1 cup). 90026 90031 90006 Highly versatile, this formidable-looking squash tastes delicious in a variety of different recipes including soup, salad, and stuffed.90009 90014 How to Cook Acorn Squash 90015 90006 There are many methods of cooking all squash and this squash is no exception. The most common forms of cooking include — 90009 90038 90025 Roasting 90026 90025 Microwaving 90026 90025 Boiling 90026 90045 90006 In this post, I will be showing how to 90007 bake acorn squash in the oven 90008. I prefer baked acorn squash (aka roasted) because it yields the best flavor. But, that is typically the way it works with roasted / baked vegetables. 90009 90006 Baked is best — the same reasoning applies to asparagus, butternut squash, cauliflower, and chicken.90009 90006 90007 To roast an acorn squash (or two) gather the following tools and ingredients: 90008 90009 90024 90025 1-2 squash 90026 90025 Sharp knife 90026 90025 Baking sheet or roasting pan 90026 90025 Olive oil 90026 90025 Maple syrup or brown sugar ( optional) 90026 90025 Oven 90026 90031 90006 The list is 90071 crazy 90072. I know. 90009 90006 90075 90075 90009 90014 How to Pick a Good Acorn Squash 90015 90006 Fortunately, picking a good squash is not hard. That said, here are a few tips to help you find the best squash in the store.90009 90038 90025 90007 An equal balance of green and orange coloring 90008 is a good indication that the squash is neither too ripe or not ripe enough. Squash that is mostly orange is likely over-ripe and will have too many orange stringy bits. On the flip side, a squash that is mostly green is probably not ripe enough and will lack the delicious squash flavor we’re seeking. The best bet is to look for one with an equal balance of both. 90026 90025 Choose a heavy squash. Not the biggest and therefore heaviest squash, but 90007 the heaviest squash for its size 90008.90026 90025 90007 Dull is better than shiny 90008. I know, I like shiny things, too, but in this case, duller skin wins over shiny skin. That said, the skin should be smooth without any wrinkling or soft spots. 90026 90045 90014 Can I eat Acorn Squash Skin? 90015 90006 90007 Yes 90008! 90009 90006 For a really long time (translation- until last year), I thought that the skin of all squash was inedible. After all, it’s so thick! But this, you guys, is totally wrong. 90007 You can absolutely eat the skin of cooked and roasted acorn squash 90008.After roasting your squash long enough, not just the inside flesh, but also the outer skin will be tender, delicious, and nutritious. 90009 90014 Nutrition 90015 90006 Since we’re on the subject of learning all about this beautiful squash, you may be wondering- 90007 is acorn squash healthy? 90008 90009 90006 The short answer. 90007 Yes. Definitely 90008. But just in case you’re interested, here’s a little more information: 90009 90024 90025 Most nutrient-dense than all types of summer squash.90026 90025 Significant levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, pantothenic acid, thiamin, and other B-vitamins. 90026 90025 90007 High levels of minerals 90008 like magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorous, and calcium. 90026 90031 90006 90007 Per 1-cup of squash 90008: 90009 90024 90025 56 calories 90026 90025 486 mg potassium 90026 90025 15 grams carbohydrates 90026 90025 2.1 grams of dietary fiber 90026 90025 1.1 grams of protein 90026 90031 90006 So, no matter how you choose to enjoy your favorite cooked acorn squash recipes, now you can do so knowing that you’re giving your body a whole lot of good stuff at the same time.90009 90006 90145 90145 90009 90014 How to cut an Acorn Squash 90015 90006 If you’ve ever held an acorn squash, then you already know a thing or two about its tough exterior. If you have not, allow me to warn you about their formidable skin. Trying to figure out how to cut one open may seem intimidating, but give it a try and you’ll quickly see that it’s much easier than it looks. 90009 90006 90007 So, how exactly do you cut an acorn squash? 90008 90009 90006 You need a stable, reliable, sharp knife.Sorry guys, a cheap, flimsy, dull knife just will not cut it (literally). A good knife goes a LONG way in the kitchen, so if you’re someone who cooks a lot, consider it an investment. 90009 90006 90007 You may approach cutting it one of two ways- 90008 90009 90038 90025 Slice off 1/4 «of the stem end and base of the squash. You will not lose much, if any, of the squash interior by using this method. However, it will create a stable base for you to stand up the squash allowing you to chop it in half vertically.I prefer this method if I am not planning on baking and stuffing. 90026 90025 In this second method, you’ll be cutting the squash right in half from top to bottom (as shown in these images). To do this without cutting off your finger, find a valley in between one of the ridges — ideally, the ridge should be just to the side of the stem as 90007 you DO NOT want to try to cut through the stem. 90008 90026 90045 90006 In either case, once you make that initial entry point, use that as your guide.Drive the knife through the your squash and continue by cutting around the entire squash. If the knife gets stuck, return to the starting point and rotate in the opposite direction. 90009 90006 When it comes to cutting any kind of squash, confidence is key. When in doubt, ask a friend 🙂 I’m on blood thinners (thank you stroke at 28-years-old), so whenever possible, I ask my husband to help. 90009 90006 90175 90175 90009 90014 How to Roast Acorn Squash 90015 90038 90025 90006 Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.90009 90026 90025 90006 Using a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife, cut your squash in half from stem to tip. If it is a struggle, do not try to cut the stem in half. Cut around it. 90009 90026 90025 90006 Use a metal spoon to scoop and scrape out the seeds and stringy bits from the inside of each squash until smooth. 90009 90026 90025 90006 Place the squash halves cut-side-up in a roasting pan (I used a jelly roll pan). 90009 90026 90025 90006 Drizzle top side of squash with olive oil and use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface.Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar, if desired. 90009 90026 90025 90006 Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes or until tops are nice and golden brown and the squash flesh is soft and cooked through. It is better to slightly overcook your squash than undercook it, so if you are unsure if it’s cooked, add more time. When done, remove from the oven and allow time to cool before serving. 90009 90026 90045 90006 90207 90207 90009 90014 What Can I Do with Baked Acorn Squash? 90015 90006 You’ve baked your lovely squash, now what? Here’s the thing, you can do just about anything.Delicious sweet, savory, sweet AND savory, hot, cold, stuffed, pureed … you guys the options are ENDLESS. 90009 90006 As a side, drizzle your roasted acorn squash with a little maple syrup and serve with baked chicken, garlic butter steak bites, your next holiday ham, or garlic herb lamb chops. 90009 90006 Serve them stuffed with rice and grains or even 90009.