BURLINGTON, WA - Looking for versatility, flavor, and eye-catching appeal in produce departments this fall and winter? Then look no further than Bay Baby Produce. With health and wellness top of mind, Owner Michele Youngquist joined me to talk all-things squash, and how consumers and retailers can tap into the growing category.
When I ask Michele what’s new at Bay Baby Produce, she tells me, “The Personal Spaghetti Squash! It’s the perfect meal in a bowl for two.”
Packed in a 35-pound box and stickered with a Southwest Spaghetti Recipe, retailers will not only be able to create a destination in the produce department, but they will be able to tease the palate as well. The Personal Spaghetti Squash has the same string-like meat and sweet mild flavor of the original spaghetti squash, but in a size that’s manageable for 2-4 people.
Many people are concerned about how to cook a hard shell squash and Michele has the answer.
“Poke a few holes in the skin, like you would a potato, and place it in a baking dish with a small amount of water on the bottom. Cook it in the oven for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees,” she says. “Once you remove it from the oven, slice it in half and remove the seeds. Then it’s time for you to get creative with the delightfully nutritious meat.”
Not feeling creative? Visit the company’s website to get their Shockingly Delicious Squash and Pie Pumpkin recipes.
Retailers, having a hard time deciding which winter squash to carry this fall season? Try a custom mixed bin so your customers can experience all the savory squash flavors that fall has to offer.
“I recommend purchasing bins to set your store then ordering 35-pound boxes to refill the bins as necessary,” Michele tells me. “The best part of the bin is that they are visually stunning. All the colors pop against each other for a visual pleasing display in what we call Nature’s Fall Candy.”
You can choose from the following varieties; Pie Pumpkin, Spaghetti, Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Carnival, Red Kuri and Kabocha.
A little known fact is that Pumpkin is fall's super-food. The seeds are packed with fiber, the meat full of vitamin A and antioxidants, and the oil helps lower blood pressure. Pumpkin is playing the starring role in the fall line-up but winter squash is also packed with nutrition. Add these to any recipe and you are looking at a healthy fall.
