Texas’ Favorite Winter Squash: Everything You Need to Know About Butternut Squash
Discover > Texas Home Cooking > Texas’ Favorite Winter Squash: Everything You Need to Know About Butternut Squash
Butternut squash (how long does butternut squash last?) is the most popular type of winter squash in Texas. It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in savory and sweet dishes. In this blog post, we will provide everything you need to know about butternut squash. We will discuss its history, taste, nutritional value, and how to select it at the grocery store. So, whether you are a Texan looking for their favorite winter squash or just curious about butternut squash, read on!
Difference Between Summer Squash and Winter Squash
Summer squash and winter squash are two different types of squash. Summer squash is harvested when it is immature and has a thin skin. It is best used for dishes that are cooked quickly, such as grilling or sautéing.
Winter squash, on the other hand, is harvested when it is mature and has a thick skin. It can be used in dishes that are cooked slowly, such as roasting or baking.
Does Winter Squash like Butternut Squash Grow During Winter?
Butternut squash, just like any other winter squash, actually cannot tolerate winter temperatures and freezes. BUT the good thing is, most winter squash, due to their thicker rinds can last two to four months.
Butternut squash, when stored properly can even last up to six months (although that's pushing it) making it and other winter squash varieties last well through winter and beyond!
What Does Butternut Squash Taste Like?
One of the main reasons why Texas loves butternut squash so much is because of it's unique sweeter flavor and nutty flavor. To describe its unique taste, it would be a pleasant cross between the mild flavor of a pumpkin and the sweetness of a sweet potato. It also has a nutty undertone that is not found in other winter squash varieties (except maybe the acorn squash) or summer squash.
What Does Butternut Squash Look Like?
Butternut squash is elongated and it has smooth skin. One end of the butternut squash has an unmistakable round shape and unique appearance that's unique to it. For the color, it should be like a dark beige and with bright orange flesh inside.
How to Select The Perfect Butternut squash?
Here are some things to keep in mind for that perfect butternut squash recipe that you've always wanted to make.
Choose a butternut squash that is heavy for its size.
Look for a squash that has a dull surface
The skin color of the butternut squash should be a visually pleasing dark beige. If you see green and white stripes or other green coloring on the surface, that means that the butternut is not fully ripe.
Avoid squashes with any blemishes or soft spots. It is worth noting though that if you see a cream colored white splotch, then that's perfectly fine. That's the part where it has been sitting on the ground on and isn't exposed to the sun. Just like watermelons, a cream colored patch is desirable.
Check the stem for ripeness. To do this, the stem should be firm to the touch and intact with a deep brown color. No stem? It might have already popped out and it may be a few weeks old already.
Make sure the butternut squash is free of mold
Gently check the skin of the squash by using your fingernail. A ripe butternut squash should have a thick skin (just like all winter squash) and should resist a fingernail check.
And finally, ask your farmer! If you're at a farmers market, the vendor (usually the one that grew it) will know which one to pick!
Is Butternut squash a pumpkin?
Butternut squash and pumpkin are both types of winter squash. Winter squash is a type of fruit that is harvested in the fall.
The difference between butternut squash and pumpkin is that butternut squash is longer and thinner than pumpkin. Butternut squash has a sweeter taste than pumpkin. And of course, butternut squash has that signature
Other Popular Winter Squash Varieties
Now if for some reason you can't find butternut squash at your local farmers market or grocery, don't fret, there are a lot of winter squashes that are just as tasty and are available at the same season.
Delicata Squash
Also known as sweet potato squash, these are a bit smaller than the butternut and has a milder flavor. It tastes like, well, you guessed it, sweet potatoes. Hence the name! They're characterized by their green stripes and yellow colored skin.
Carnival Squash
True to its name, the Carnival squash is a colorful squash that has green orange and yellow coloration on the skin, much like a carnival! With a sweet flavor and buttery texture, this type is perfect for roasting to bring out its mild flavor to the maximum.
Spaghetti Squash
Cylindrical in shape with a pale cream color to a bright yellow exterior. Spaghetti squash's claim to fame is it's chewy fragile texture when cooked that resembles spaghetti!
Doesn't taste like it, in fact, it also lacks that signature squash flavor, but it's very good with sauce, think of it as a vegetarian spaghetti alternative!
Sweet Dumpling Squash
This one looks like a round dumpling! Generally colored yellow, it has orange to dark green stripes and makes for nice table decoration before they get cooked. Taste is a bit starchy and sweet which resembles corn meat in a way. Perfect for stuffing and for individual-sized servings.
Acorn Squash
Well, the only way to describe this winter squash is that it looks like a giant green and orange acorn! The Acorn squash typically weighs somewhere between one or two pounds and the flavor has a mild and nutty flavor much like the butternut squash. The Acorn squash is one of the few winter squashes that have edible skin.
Banana Squash and Pink Banana Squash
Yeah, they look like bananas (how long do bananas last?), or large pink bananas depending on the type. Oh, wait, let me rephrase that, they look like GIANT bananas that are two to three feet long and up to 30 pounds or more. Don't worry though, this is usually sold pre-cut and packaged in manageable volumes. This has a rich and earthy taste that amazing in soups, stews, and both sweet and savory dishes. .
Hubbard Squash
Possibly one of the largest of the squashes in the squash family our there with sizes ranging up to 50 pounds.
Just like the Banana Squash, you can usually get this pre-cut. Perfect for cooking and baking (especially for pies) with its signature pumpkin flavor.
Honeynut Squash
A cross between butternut and buttercup, this looks like a butternut squash in the outside but has a deeper colored flesh. Flavor-wise the honeynut is a lot sweeter and has a richer texture than the butternut.
Other squash types include: Turban Squash, red kuri, kabocha squash, buttercup squash, and more! Best way to get ideas on how to cook these would be to ask the farmer. I mean, who would know better than those who grows them and has extensive experience with them r right?
Is Butternut Squash Good For You?
In a (butter)nutshell? Yes!
•Butternut squash is a great hydrator, due to it being 87% water.
• It's good for your immunity as it contains beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, which get converted into Vitamin A.
• It's excellent for your eyes as well, containing lutein and zeaxanthin; and with the added benefit of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, they protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
• It's also a good source of fiber - helping with weight balance and cancer risk reduction; in particular colorectal cancer risk reduction.
• Additionally, butternut squash can help lower blood pressure due to the potassium content within it; and managing blood pressure can reduce risks for stroke or heart disease.
• Finally, the fiber within butternut squash also helps regulate blood sugar levels - especially helpful for those with diabetes - by keeping blood sugar from rising after meals are eaten.
How to Peel Butternut Squash
Peeling a butternut squash can be a little tricky, but it's definitely not impossible. Here are a few tips to make the process a little bit easier:
First, cut off the top and bottom of the squash so that it has a flat surface to stand on.
Next, cut the squash in half so that you have two long halves.
Use a sharp knife to peel the skin off of the squash. It should come off easily in most places, but you may have to use some force in others.
Once the skin is peeled off, cut the squash into small pieces and enjoy!
Our Favorite Butternut Squash Recipes
Butternut squash is one of the most versatile vegetables around. You can use it in savory or sweet dishes, as a main course or a side dish. And it’s not just for winter – butternut squash is delicious all year round. Here are some recipes to get you started:
Butternut squash soup
Butternut squash is the perfect base for a creamy, satisfying soup. Simply chop up some butternut squash, carrots, and onions and add them to a pot of chicken stock or vegetable stock. Simmer until the vegetables are soft enough to blend, then puree until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some spices, like nutmeg or curry powder, for more flavor.
Roasted butternut squash
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop up a butternut squash into 1-inch cubes and place on a baking sheet along with chopped carrots, onions, and any other vegetables you want to roast. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, until everything is tender and slightly browned.
Sautéed butternut squash
This versatile vegetable can also be sautéed quickly on the stovetop. Simply chop up some butternut squash into bite-sized pieces, chop up some onions and garlic, and toss everything in a large pan with your favorite spices. Sautee until the vegetables are tender and golden brown, then serve over rice or pasta for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Butternut squash is healthy and delicious – try incorporating it into your cooking today!
