Acorn squash also called pepper squash or Des Moines squash is a hard squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges and sweet, yellow-orange flesh.

Although considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes (including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash). As the name suggests, its shape resembles that of an acorn. They typically weigh one to two pounds and grow between four and seven inches long.

Acorn squash is hardy enough to save throughout the winter in storage, keeping several months in a cool dry location such as a cold cellar.