A Squash by any Other Name.....

Ever wonder where "Squash" got its name?

According to the Library of Congress' website " Everyday Mysteries":

“Squash” comes from the Narragansett Native American word askutasquash, which means “eaten raw or uncooked." Squashes are one of the oldest known crops–10,000 years by some estimates of sites in Mexico. Since squashes are gourds, they most likely served as containers or utensils because of their hard shells. The seeds and flesh later became an important part of the pre-Columbian Indian diet in both South and North America."

Squash is a hearty fruit that is planted in the summer and harvested in the late fall. We tend to think just of soups when we see it pop up in the shares, but we will explore other possibilities in the recipe section.

Back to the Library of Congress. Their website Everyday Mysteries is incredibly cool. They tackle burning questions like : Why do fingers and toes wrinkle in the bathtub ? and Why does chopping onions make you cry? It's awesome.

They round out their entry on Squash Lexicon with this tidbit:

"And why is the game also called squash? It used to be called “Rackets” and a “squashy” soft ball constructed of thin rubber was used. It had a number of holes that caused the ball to collapse when hit hard."

Oh, and this incredibly creepy painting of two children carving up a pumpkin which they will likely anthropomorphize and turn into the leader of their whacky farm cult.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We hope you get to relax for a minute and enjoy some time with the folks you love.

Tim + Erin

WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

We are excited to bring you delicious baked goods from Pure Pastry in Beverly, MA. Kim is a force of nature and her pastries are incredible. We hope you love it! On her website you can learn where to find she and her team at a long list of amazing markets and holiday festivals in the coming weeks!

HALF SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Onion Dip from Magic Bites
Pescatarian Protein -Salmon from Red's Best; Onion Dip from Magic Bites
Vegetarians - Lentil Fingers from Magic Bites; Onion Dip from Magic Bites
Paleo Proteins - Pork Chops and Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Celery from Pete's Greens; Romaine Lettuce from Pete's Greens; Butternut Squash from Brookford Farm
Grain - Focaccia from Iggy's Bread
Special Treat - Maple Sandwich Cookie from Pure Pastry

WHOLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein - Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Sausage from Brookford Farm; Onion Dip from Magic Bites; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Pescatarian Protein - Salmon and Fluke from Red's Best; Onion Dip from Magic Bites; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms
Paleo Proteins - Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Sausage from Brookford FarmEggs from Feather Brook Farms
Fruits and Veggies - Celery from Pete's Greens; Romaine Lettuce from Pete's Greens; Butternut Squash from Brookford Farm; Baby Lettuce from Brite Harvest Farm; Sweet Potatoes from Next Barn Over Farm
Grain - Focaccia from Iggy's Bread
Special Treat - Maple Sandwich Cookie and Sweet Bar from Pure Pastry

DOUBLE SHARE

Omnivore Protein -Pork Chops from Feather Brook Farms; Salmon from Red's Best; Sausage from Brookford Farm; Onion Dip from Magic Bites; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms; Applekraut from Brookford Farm
Pescatarian Protein - Salmon and Fluke from Red's Best; Onion Dip from Magic Bites; Eggs from Feather Brook Farms; Applekraut from Brookford Farm
Fruits and Veggies - Celery from Pete's Greens; Romaine Lettuce from Pete's Greens; Butternut Squash from Brookford Farm; Baby Lettuce from Brite Harvest Farm; Sweet Potatoes from Next Barn Over Farm; Tomatoes from Five College Farms
Grain - Focaccia from Iggy's Bread; Spanikopita from Magic Bites
Special Treat - Maple Sandwich Cookie and Sweet Bar from Pure Pastry

RECIPES

How to Cut and Peel a Butternut Squash: Here's your plan of attack.

Couscous with cranberries and squash: Makes for a beautiful side with your pork or fish. Could also shine with rice or quinoa instead of the couscous.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: You will thank us later.

Hasselback Butternut Squash: How to win the "sides" game at Thanksgiving this year.

The Best Pork chops: Drag out your cast iron and dig in. Use the fat to cook any veggies, or potatoes. Or add some wine and mustard to the pan drippings for a quick sauce!

Posted on November 22, 2019

Erin Baumgartner

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