Spaghetti squash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spaghetti squash |
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Fruit of a yellow-skinned cultivar
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| Species | Cucurbita pepo |
| Origin | North America and Central America |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
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| Energy | 130 kJ (31 kcal) |
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6.91 g
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| Sugars | 2.76 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.5 g |
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0.57 g
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Protein
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0.64 g
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| Vitamins | Quantity
%DV†
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| Vitamin A equiv.
beta-Carotene
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1%
6 μg
1%
64 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) |
3%
0.037 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) |
2%
0.018 mg |
| Niacin (B3) |
6%
0.95 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) |
7%
0.36 mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
8%
0.101 mg |
| Folate (B9) |
3%
12 μg |
| Vitamin C |
3%
2.1 mg |
| Vitamin E |
1%
0.13 mg |
| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
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| Calcium |
2%
23 mg |
| Iron |
2%
0.31 mg |
| Magnesium |
3%
12 mg |
| Manganese |
6%
0.125 mg |
| Phosphorus |
2%
12 mg |
| Potassium |
4%
108 mg |
| Zinc |
2%
0.19 mg |
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Link to USDA Database entry
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| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. | |
The spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepo) is an oblong seed-bearing variety of winter squash. The fruit can range either from ivory to yellow or orange in color. The orange varieties have a higher carotene content. Its center contains many large seeds. Its flesh is bright yellow or orange. When raw, the flesh is solid and similar to other raw squash; when cooked, the flesh falls away from the fruit in ribbons or strands like spaghetti.
Nutrition
It is a superfood that contains lots of nutrients, including folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, It is low in calories, averaging 42 calories per 1-cup (155 grams) serving.
Images for kids
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Spaghetti squash (left) illustration from the Japanese agricultural encyclopedia Seikei Zusetsu (1804)
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Cooked
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Male flower
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Female flower
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Being sold at a Greengrocer in Japan
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Served with marinara sauce
