When autumn arrives, British supermarkets shift into full squash mode: shelves stacked with deep orange, speckled green, and creamy‑white varieties that look impressive enough to grace any kitchen.
But standing there in Tesco, you might wonder which one’s actually worth cooking, and which would taste better left on the shelf. Each squash has its own character, from sweet and nutty to mellow and versatile.
Let’s get to grips with these seasonal gems and find out which ones are worth coming home with.
This article is for general information only. The availability, appearance, and flavour of squashes may vary. Always check for any allergies or dietary considerations before cooking.
1. Butternut Squash
Walk into any British supermarket between September and February, and you'll spot these tan coloured, bowling pin shaped beauties everywhere. Butternut has become the nation's sweetheart of the squash world, and for good reason.
Sweet, nutty, and creamy when roasted, it transforms from rock hard vegetable to silky soup in no time. Perfect for everything from hearty curries to elegant risottos, this reliable performer never disappoints.
2. Red Kuri (Hokkaido)
Picture a bright orange pumpkin that someone's given a gentle squeeze – that's your Red Kuri. Originally from Japan but now popping up in posher British greengrocers, this little stunner packs serious flavour.
The skin becomes completely edible when cooked, saving you the faff of peeling. Sweet with hints of chestnut, it makes cracking soups and roasts beautifully alongside Sunday dinner vegetables.
3. Spaghetti Squash
Here's nature's answer to pasta – a pale yellow oval that looks utterly unremarkable until you work your magic. Once roasted and scraped with a fork, the flesh separates into long, spaghetti like strands that'll fool absolutely no one but taste surprisingly good.
Mild and slightly sweet, it soaks up flavours beautifully. Toss with butter, garlic, and parmesan for a lighter take on comfort food that actually satisfies.
4. Acorn Squash
Shaped exactly like its name suggests, this ribbed beauty comes dressed in dark green with splashes of orange and cream. Small enough to serve as individual portions, acorn squash brings a touch of elegance to autumn dining.
The flesh tastes mildly sweet with a lovely nutty undertone. Simply halve, scoop out seeds, and roast with a knob of butter and brown sugar for a side dish that looks restaurant worthy.
5. Turban Squash
Looking like something from a fairy tale, turban squash sports the most ridiculous hat shaped top that makes it perfect for autumn displays. Don't let its ornamental looks fool you though – this multicoloured marvel tastes brilliant.
The orange flesh offers a sweet, rich flavour that works wonderfully in pies and soups. While it takes a bit of effort to hack through that tough skin, the reward is worth every minute of wrestling.
6. Harlequin Squash
Dressed in stripes of cream, green, and orange like a Victorian circus performer, harlequin squash certainly knows how to make an entrance. This eye catching variety brings both beauty and substance to your autumn cooking repertoire.
The flesh tastes sweet and nutty, similar to butternut but with a firmer texture. Brilliant roasted in chunks or pureed into velvety soups that'll warm you right through on those chilly British evenings.
7. Delicata Squash
Cream coloured with dark green stripes, delicata squash looks like it's wearing rugby kit. The real beauty lies in its paper thin skin that becomes completely edible when cooked – no peeling required.
Sweet and creamy with hints of corn and sweet potato, it roasts quickly into tender perfection. Simply slice into rings, remove seeds, and roast with olive oil and herbs for an effortless side dish that looks properly sophisticated.
8. Musquée De Provence
This French beauty looks like it's been carved from caramel, with deep ridges and a gorgeous tan exterior that screams autumn elegance. Popular in Provence for centuries, it's finally making waves in British farmers' markets.
The deep orange flesh tastes incredibly sweet and rich, almost like eating autumn sunshine. Perfect for gratins, soups, or simply roasted with thyme and garlic for a side dish that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
9. Hubbard Squash
Massive, bumpy, and usually grey green, Hubbard squash looks like something that fell off a spaceship. Don't let its alien appearance put you off – this monster can feed a small army and tastes absolutely gorgeous.
The bright orange flesh offers a sweet, fine grained texture that's brilliant for pies, soups, or roasting. You'll need a proper sharp knife and some muscle to tackle this beast, but one squash provides enough for several meals.
10. Crown Prince Squash
Sporting a dusty blue grey skin that looks like it's been dusted with flour, Crown Prince squash brings royal elegance to your vegetable patch. This British favourite has earned its place in allotments across the country.
The bright orange flesh tastes wonderfully sweet and nutty, with a dense texture that holds up beautifully in curries and stews. Stores for months when kept cool, making it perfect for seeing you through the darker winter months ahead.
11. Golden Hubbard Squash
Imagine the regular Hubbard's cheerier cousin – that's Golden Hubbard, sporting a brilliant orange red skin that practically glows under autumn sunshine. Just as massive as its grey sibling but infinitely more photogenic.
The flesh tastes sweet and smooth, perfect for everything from pies to soups to simple roasting. While still requiring some serious knife work to break down, the gorgeous colour makes it worth the effort for special autumn occasions.
12. Honeynut Squash
Think of butternut squash that's been shrunk in the wash – that's honeynut, perfectly sized for individual portions. These adorable mini squashes pack concentrated sweetness that puts their bigger cousins to shame.
Incredibly sweet with a creamy texture, they're perfect halved and roasted as individual servings. The skin becomes tender enough to eat, and the concentrated flavour means a little goes a long way for maximum autumn comfort.
