New to Me- Delectable Delicata!

I like retro stuff. I listen to retro style music. I like to shop at consignment stores that specialize in retro fashions.  Recently, a very retro style squash has come back to the foodie scene- the delicata squash. I first heard about this squash variety from a friend who was so smitten with its light, sweet taste she decided she had to grow her own.  I am now equally enthralled.

There are plenty of old school squash varieties – Hubbard, butternut, acorn, Gete Kosman, just to name a few. Why did the delicata not keep up? Cooks.com has the answer, and it is pretty simple. Delicata squash fell out of favor in the early 20^th century because delicata is delicate. The vines were low-yielding and disease prone while the thin skin made shipping and keeping a little tricky.  In 2002, however, all that changed. The agricultural geniuses at Cornell University unveiled the Cornell’s Bush Delicata.   This variety boasts fungus resistance and a 100 day shelf life. I am very tempted to grow some myself next spring.

My favorite preparation? Super simple:

 

 

We all have our favorite foods, but every DIYet needs a good shake up now and then. If you are into squash the delicata is a great one to try. What is your favorite retro/old school/vintage dish? Share in the comments!