Squash

Squash is a type of gourd that grows on a vine. It includes varieties like pumpkin, zucchini, acorn squash, and butternut squash. Squashes are typically harvested when mature and can be cooked in many ways, such as baking, steaming, or roasting.

Squash is used in packaged foods as a vegetable ingredient, often for its flavor, texture, and color. It is commonly found in canned or frozen vegetable products, soups, and sometimes in baked goods or savory snacks. Manufacturers may also use squash puree as a natural sweetener or thickener.

Squash is a nutritious vegetable and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated various squash varieties and their components. Evidence suggests that the nutrients in squash support overall health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.