Everything You Need to Know About Butternut Squash

I consider butternut squash to be the “gateway” squash. I often have one sitting on my counter and love that I can buy it and it keeps for several weeks before using because it’s one less thing that gets wasted. Because, let’s face it. Sometimes I grocery shop and lose track of the things that need to get used. Then I get upset that I’ve wasted part of my food budget when I have to throw something away.

Facts about Butternut Squash

What is Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a winter squash you mainly find during the fall and winter. You can still find it most times of the year, but it is most popular in fall and winter dishes. It is easy to grow so maybe we all should try growing some next summer.

Why Eat Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of those orange vegetables and a cup of cooked butternut squash has 59% of your daily Vitamin A, approximately 25% of Vitamin C and fiber, and almost 20% Vitamin B6. Need I say more?

How to Choose Butternut Squash

Just like choosing zucchini, you are going to choose a butternut squash that is firm with no soft spots or blemishes. Also choose heavier squash as they usually have more “meat” to them.

TIP: Did you know the yellow squash flower is edible? You can stuff them and fry them.

How to Use Butternut Squash

You can use butternut squash in sweet or savory dishes like soups, casseroles, and pies. It is easy to roast or boil and I’ve seen it grilled. I’ve never actually grilled it to see how quickly it grills but plan to once we have our grill up and running again because I can only imagine it will taste even better with that grilled flavor.

Roasting Butternut Squash

Cut the squash in half
Scoop out the seeds
Place upside down on a baking sheet
Roast at 400 degrees for approximately 45 minutes

Boiling Butternut Squash

Cube squash
Put in stockpot and cover with water
Bring to a boil
Turn down and cook until soft (15-20 minutes)
Drain then mash or use as desired

Preserving Butternut Squash

Follow these steps for roasting a pumpkin to roast and freeze butternut squash. You may pressure can butternut squash but do not mash or puree it. It must be cubed for safety purposes. Fresh Preserving has directions.