How to Tell If Butternut Squash Is Ripe?

An extremely versatile vegetable, butternut squash is delicious roasted, grilled or stir-fried, and can also be used in soups, casseroles, breads, risotto and even homemade baby food. And, according to Whole Living, it's a true "super-food"--chock full of fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants. For the richest flavor and highest nutritional benefits, choose a butternut squash that is ripe and ready to eat.

Instructions

1. Check its appearance. A ripe, healthy butternut squash is 8 to 12 inches long with an intact stem. The skin should be matte (not shiny) and golden-tan in color with very, very faint or no green stripes. Reject a squash with a lot of bruises, blemishes or moldy spots.

2. Pick up the squash. A ripe butternut squash feels solid and heavy for its size.

3. Tap it. When tapped, a ripe butternut squash sounds hollow.

4. Examine the texture of the skin. The skin of a ripe butternut squash is smooth and firm. When you press your fingernail into the skin, the skin should not puncture. If it does, reject the squash.

Tips & Warnings

• Store a whole butternut squash in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place for up to 3 months. Do not put it in the refrigerator. Store cut butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

References

• National Vegetable Society
• P. Allen Smith: Butternut Squash
• Christian Chefs

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Cooks.com: Butternut Squash Recipes
• How To Choose Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Whole Living: Powerfoods--Butternut Squash