Butternut Squash

Name: Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) — a pale tan, bell-shaped winter squash with a long neck, a bulbous base, and sweet, nutty, deep orange flesh.

Description

Butternut squash was developed in the 1940s in the United States, by Charles Leggett of Stow, Massachusetts, from a type of Cucurbita moschata, a species domesticated in Central America. It has become one of the most popular winter squashes, valued for its sweet flavour, smooth texture and ease of use, since the long neck has few seeds.

The flesh is dense, and sweet and nutty when roasted, and can be used in soups, risottos, pasta, curries and baking. Australia and South Africa also grow it widely, where it is often simply called butternut.

Main nutrition value

Butternut squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), and also provides vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fibre.

How best to be consumed

Butternut squash is roasted, steamed or pureed, and its skin can be eaten when roasted.

1. Peel with a vegetable peeler, deseed, and cube, then roast with oil, salt and spices until caramelised.
2. Puree into soup, with garlic, stock and a little cream or coconut milk.
3. Add to risottos, pasta, curries, tagines and salads, or stuff the halves.
4. Microwave the whole squash for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the skin before cutting.
5. Store whole in a cool, dry place for months.

Overconsumption could cause…

Butternut squash is safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Higher carbohydrate and calorie intake than summer squashes, which matters for people managing diabetes or weight.
2. Digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, from a lot of fibre at once in some people.
3. Added cream, butter and sugar in rich soups and sweet dishes.
4. Allergic reactions in rare cases, and skin irritation from handling the raw squash in some people.

GroupsOther Starchy VegetablesSquash and GourdsGourd family (Cucurbitaceae)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsAcorn SquashPumpkinKabocha SquashSpaghetti SquashHubbard SquashYellow Squash

Wikipedia — Butternut squash, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butternut_squash