Butternut squash

Also Known As : Butternut Pumpkin

Technical Name : Cucurbita moschata

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty taste that is similar to pumpkin.

Usage Tips

Butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
It is best suited for cooking preparations such as roasting, toasting, steaming, sautéing, baking, braising, and grilling.
Butternut squash can be sliced into rounds, wedges, or cubes. It can also be added to curries, soups, stews and risotto.
The seeds of the butternut squash are also roasted, salted, and are consumed as a snack food, same as pumpkin seeds.
It can be used in baked goods such as pies, bread, and muffins.
It can be stored for 1-2 months in a cool, dry place.
It pairs well with sage, thyme, bay leaf, apple, cinnamon, pear, shallots, pecans, butter, cream, feta cheese, ground beef, sausage, and bacon.

Description

Butternut squash has a bell-like shape with a long neck attached to a bulbous end and it is medium to large in size. The smooth skin of butternut squash is very thin and firm, and it is connected to a light brown colored rough stem. It has a tan-yellow colored skin and orange fleshy pulp with a section of seeds in the bottom. It is available throughout the year, with peak season being in the fall through winter. It has originated in Mexico. Today butternut squash is used all around the world.

Health benefits

Butternut squash contains high levels of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure.⁽¹⁾
It contains four important types of carotenoids – beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which helps to prevent oxidative stress.⁽¹⁾
It is a good source of dietary fiber, that helps to optimize the digestive process and relieve problems like constipation and bloating.⁽¹⁾
It contains folic acid, that is required to prevent certain birth defects, such as neural tube issues and spina bifida.⁽¹⁾
It also contains minerals, such as manganese, magnesium, and calcium, which help to improve bone density.⁽¹⁾
Vitamin C found in Butternut squash boosts immunity.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

Look for a butternut squash that has no cracks or soft spots and is heavy for its size.

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/butternut-squash.html

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