What Is Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash.

Butternut squash is a healthy vegetable and is a member of the gourd family. It grows on a vine and has a yellowish skin. It can be prepared in many ways including roasted, grilled, mashed, or pureed.

Picking

Pick a butternut squash that is firm, sounds hollow, and weighs roughly 2 pounds. Make sure it doesn't have any green tinge or bruises and is yellow or light orange in color.

Storing

Store the butternut squash in a cool, dark and dry place. It can actually be stored up to several months. Avoid storing it in the fridge since the moist atmosphere will help it rot.

Cooking

Peel the squash with a potato peeler. Cut it into half and spoon out the seeds. Cut off the stalk and the flower end. Depending on what recipe you are using you can boil, steam, or roast the butternut squash to perfection.

Recipes

There are many recipes for butternut squash. One of the more popular is butternut squash soup. You can also make casseroles, muffins, breads, stir fry or cake.

References

• Butternut Squash
• Butternut Squash Recipes