Vernon Gold · Locally grown in Wisconsin
Caramel & pumpkin notes.
Meet a new reason to bring squash home. Vernon Gold has smooth, deep-orange flesh and rich sweetness that comes into its own in the roasting pan.
WISCONSIN-LOCALBred in La Crosse County. Grown in Vernon County.
Try it roasted
A first taste of something new
Sweet caramel and pumpkin notes are brought out by roasting. Start with a little olive oil and salt and let the squash shine.
Smooth, deep-orange flesh inside a thick skin. Whole squash typically weigh 5 to 10 pounds.
The longest storage observation in excellent condition is seven months. Keeping time varies with conditions.
A new variety with local roots
Vernon Gold is a new squash variety making its market debut: “Vernon” is a nod to spring, and “Gold” is for its rich, deep color and sweetness that develops with roasting. It was bred with care and attention in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
And in another nod to its name, Vernon Gold is locally grown and harvested with sustainable, small-scale family farming practices in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
A little oil. A little salt.
About 40 to 60 minutes.
Cook until fork-tender.
Cut the squash open and scoop out the seeds. Brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt. Smaller pieces of similar size make even roasting easier; halves work well, too.
Cut into pieces of similar size, cover and roast in a roaster or French oven. Begin checking around 40 minutes. The flesh is ready when a fork slips in easily.
Remove cover and roast for 5-10 minutes (depending on oven) to slightly brown the edges and bring out the caramel flavors.
Set the halves flesh-side down on a sheet pan. Roast until tender, checking from about 40 minutes. Large halves may need longer than 60 minutes.
Use tenderness as your guide: piece size and ovens vary. Save the seeds to roast separately.
One squash, many possibilities
Blend roasted squash smooth for golden-warm soups and delectable pies. Leave it chunky and serve with coconut milk and your favorite protein that awaits a kiss of curry. Bake it into buns, muffins and bagels. Fold it into risotto, or even white rice for an easy way to delight the family.
Portion servings in muffin trays and freeze for easy and delicious meals on busy days.
The sweet caramel-pumpkin notes bring something new to familiar recipes.
From the vine
Follow the vines and you'll find broad, heart-shaped leaves with pale branching veins. These squash show a lot of love by how big those heart-shaped leaves will grow. Large flowers and visiting pollinators are part of the story, too, long before the squash reaches your table.
Blossoms & pollinators
A littleA bee emerges from a golden Vernon Gold blossom, then takes flight.
A six-second moment among the blossoms.
This season's crop is grown with love in Vernon County, Wisconsin, on a small-scale family farm with deep local roots. The farm has long been known for its diverse crops, including squash and kale, and its sustainable agricultural practices.
Be a first, enjoying a first
Our first-season launch is coming to La Crosse, Wisconsin very soon. Check back soon for more details.
