NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY | SEPTEMBER 7
On September 7th, National Acorn Squash Day celebrates the autumn flavors found in what is also known as pepper squash.
#AcornSquashDay
Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.
The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.
When is National Gardening Day?
The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long. This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.
Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.
Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium, and manganese.
HOW TO OBSERVE ACORN SQUASH DAY
Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Don’t hesitate to enjoy it as a meal all its own. If you need some suggestions, check out these delicious recipes.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Wild Rice Stuffing
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Basic Roasted Acorn Squash
Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this fresh from the garden holiday. Check out these other fun food holidays in the meantime:
Acorn Squash FAQ
Q. Is the skin of an acorn squash edible?
A. Yes, it is edible. Roast the squash to make the skin tender.
Q. How many calories are in an acorn squash?
A. A 1-cup serving of cubed acorn squash consists of 56 calories.
Q. Can you make soup from acorn squash?
A. Yes. The acorn squash makes a flavorful soup. Check out this Roasted Acorn Squash Soup on our recipe pages.
September 7th Celebrated History
1813
The United States earns a nickname that sticks. What’s in a name? In many cases, a lot. Sometimes a name has a significant meaning. In the case of the nickname Uncle Sam, the name originates with a meat packer named Samuel Wilson. During the War of 1812, Sam supplied barrels of beef to the Army. On the barrels, the letters “U.S.” were stamped – United States. However, soldiers began calling the supply “Uncle Sam’s.” Over time, the nickname came to refer to the U.S. government.
Later in that century, Uncle Sam began to have a recognizable face. The cartoonist Thomas Nast gradually created the character we recognize today.
1880
George Ligowsky receives a patent for clay pigeons designed for trap shooting. He later invented a device for launching the targets into the air, too. He designed the targets (which weren’t made of clay, nor did they look like pigeons) to replace the glass targets trapshooters used at the time. Before glass targets, trapshooters released live pigeons from cages to shoot them.
1888
Doctors give Edith Eleanor McLean a fighting chance at life when the premature baby is placed in an incubator. In the United States, she becomes the first infant treated in an incubator. However, hospitals and doctors took their time to grasp the importance of the invention. One German physician set out to change that by putting babies in incubators on display. Dr. Martin Couney displayed premature babies in an exhibit at the 1896 Berlin Exposition. Over time, as the technology saved more and more lives, they found their way into hospitals all over the world.
1903
As the age of the motorcycle grew, the New York Motorcycle Club organized the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM). The FAM served several purposes including protecting the rights of motorcyclists, regulating racing, and promote the good roads movement. After 16 years, the organization folded.
1914
The James A. Farley Post Office Building officially opens to the public. As the central post office in New York City, the building also bears a famous inscription. “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The phrase is considered the unofficial motto of the United States Post Office.
1915
Johnny Gruelle receives the patent for the Raggedy Ann Doll (D47789). The iconic doll with red yarn hair and a triangle nose became the ultimate rag doll. Before the Cabbage Patch Kids, before Barbi, or even before the Kewpie Doll, Raggedy Ann found her way into the hearts of children all over the country. In 1919, Gruelle began publishing books featuring Raggedy Ann, too. As a talented artist known for his political cartoons and comics under the pen name Grue, he also illustrated his own books.
1916
Congress passed the Workmen’s Compensation Act. The legislation protected employees who were injured on the job and were not able to work. One key movement that began in the 1800s, the labor movement, directly influenced new legislation on behalf of workers.
1921
Atlantic City, NJ hosts the first Miss America Pageant. Representatives from eight cities, including Atlantic City, participated in the two-day event. And the winner of the 1921 Miss American Pageant was…Miss Margaret Gorman of Washington, D.C.
1927
At the age of 21, Philo Farnsworth demonstrates the first electronic television. That same year, he patented his invention. Several manufacturers pursued Farnsworth, including RCA. However, the young inventor chose to strike out on his own.
1936
The Boulder Dam begins operations. Originally named the Boulder Canyon Project, the massive 60-story dam diverted water from the Colorado River. It also created hydroelectric power for a growing Southwest population. At the time of its completion, it was the largest dam in the world. Recognizing Herbert Hoover’s efforts to make the project possible, the dam was eventually renamed the Hoover Dam.
1963
The Pro Football Hall of Fame opens in Canton, Ohio.
1977
On this day, President Jimmy Carter and Panama’s General Omar Torrijos signed the Panama Treaty and the Neutrality Treaty. The agreement transferred control of the canal to Panama in 2000. The artificial waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing the shipment of goods more efficiently and easily. President Theodore Roosevelt helped bring the canal to realization and construction began in 1903. The historic endeavor took 11 years to complete.
1986
The Anglican bishop, Desmond Tutu receives the appointment of Dean to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg. The appointment made him the first black bishop to hold the position. Three years later, he became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. Noted for opposing South Africa’s apartheid regime and his non-violent efforts for equal civil rights, Tutu was also honored with the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize.
2018
What can you complete in 2 minutes and 18 seconds? Well, Abdul Basit Siddiqi Ashiq Muhammad named all the elements of the periodic table in the fastest time on record.
September 7th Celebrated Birthdays
Queen Elizabeth I – 1533
The Queen of England took the throne in 1558 and ruled for 44 years. Her father, King Henry VIII, notoriously had her mother Anne Boleyn beheaded. The Queen is known for supporting the Protestant Church in England and ushering in an era known as the Golden Age.
Grandma Moses -1860
Also known as, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, the inspirational artist is known for her paintings depicting small-town and country life.
Edward Francis Hutton – 1875
Along with his brother Franklyn and Gerald M. Loeb, Hutton founded the brokerage firm E.F. Hutton & Company. The successful firm gained additional recognition in the 1970s and 80s with their commercials – When EF Hutton talks, people listen.
Paul Brown – 1908
The popular Ohio football coach led the Cleveland Browns (named after their coach) to their first NFL championship. In 1968, he came out of retirement to found and coach the expansion team, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Elia Kazan – 1909
Director of both film and theater, Kazan directed several critically acclaimed films such as On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, East of Eden, Gentleman’s Agreement and America America. He has also been honored with numerous directing awards.
David Packard – 1912
The electrical engineer and businessman cofound Hewlett Packard. He alternately served as the company’s president and CEO. In 1968, Packard served as President Richard Nixon’s deputy to the Secretary of Defense.
Jacob Lawrence – 1917
The successful artist’s colorful works depicted the lives of African Americans around the country. During the Great Depression, Lawrence worked for the easel project under the Works Progress Administration. His paintings are displayed around the country in museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Northwest Art and also the White House.
Louise Suggs – 1923
The record-setting golfer was the first woman inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Laura Ashley – 1925
In the 1950s, the designer became known for her home furnishings and interior design products. She would expand her business into the retail world and added linens and clothing to her line.
Peggy Noonan – 1950
The Pulitzer-winning journalist writes an opinion column for The Wall Street Journal. She’s also an author and served as a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan.
Chrissie Hynde – 1951
Since 1978, Christine Hynde has led the rock band The Pretenders. Songs like Back on the Chain Gang and Don’t Get Me Wrong brought the band popular attention. On her own, Hynde has performed with numerous other notable artists.