You can eat the skin, so there’s no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.
HOW TO PREPARE BUTTERNUT SQUASH
READ: Pumpkins and squashes
WHAT IS BUTTERNUT SQUASH?
Although we call squash a vegetable, it’s technically a fruit because we eat the part that contains the seeds. Squash is in the cucurbit plant family, which also includes courgettes.
The family of winter squashes is enormous. It includes pumpkins – traditionally carved at Halloween – and hundreds of other varieties too, ranging from small striped squashes the size of your hand to green, orange and even big blue ones that can sometimes weigh hundreds of kilos.
Winter squash are closely related to courgettes and summer squash; both produce beautiful and delicious edible flowers, but winter squash have a much harder skin and can withstand being stored over the colder months of the year.
WHEN IS BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN SEASON?
Butternut squash is in season from September to December, but it keeps well in storage so is readily available for much of the year.
HOW TO STORE BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Store butternut squash in a cool, dark place; but move to the refrigerator once cut into.
What are the health benefits?
Butternut squash is delicious and packed with vitamins. Choose firm squash that feel heavy for their size. You don't even need to remove the skin; just make sure you wash it well as it goes soft when cooking. Squash is packed with vitamin A, which helps us see in the dark! 80g or three heaped tablespoons of diced and cooked butternut squash can count towards your 5-a-day.
FAQs
Butternut squash is delicious and packed with vitamins. Choose firm squash that feel heavy for their size. You don't even need to remove the skin; just make sure you wash it well as it goes soft when cooking. Squash is packed with vitamin A, which helps us see in the dark!
What are the benefits of butternut squash? ›
Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.
Is butternut squash a superfood? ›
Butternut squash is regarded as a superfood for its ability to boost immunity, support eye health, aid digestion and enhance cognitive function. It's a true nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
Is butternut squash a good or bad carb? ›
Butternut squash is a low-calorie food and is packed with nutrients. While it's higher in carbs than some other veggies, its low glycemic index (a ranking of how carbs affect blood sugar) still makes it a healthy choice for most people.
Is butternut squash good for your bowels? ›
It's high in fibre which means it may contribute to a healthy gut by improving digestion and reducing constipation. It's also low in calories and packed with beta-carotene – our bodies convert this to vitamin A to support the immune system, healthy eyes and strong bones.
Is sweet potato or butternut squash healthier? ›
To begin with, the butternut squash beats the sweet potato with fewer calories, carbs and sugar per serving. Moreover, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and E. On the other hand, the sweet potato, however, provides more fiber and protein.
Is butternut squash anti-inflammatory? ›
Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a superb source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which can contribute to lower inflammation levels. Blend butternut squash into soups or roast it with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish.
Can you eat too much butternut squash? ›
When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might stimulate the bowels too much.
What is the healthiest squash to eat? ›
1. Butternut Squash. One of the most popular varieties of squash, it can be use in so many ways. It's one of the most rich in Vitamin A, boasting about 100% of the recommended daily value per cup, in the antioxidant form of beta-carotene.
Which squash has the most health benefits? ›
In addition to vitamins A and C, butternut squash is also rich in carotenoid plant pigments and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Like acorn squash, butternut squash can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baked goods, grain dishes, and soups.
As for nutrition, a cup of cooked cubed butternut squash has just 80 calories, 22 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of sugars, and supplies an impressive array of nutrients.
When should you not eat butternut squash? ›
Avoid squash with soft spots, pits, blemishes or mold, or squash with soft rinds, which aren't ripe. Store squash only if it has a stem attached, as stemless squash won't keep well. Use stemless squash immediately.
Does butternut squash spike blood sugar? ›
Butternut squash contains a type of fiber that's not digestible. If you have diabetes, it can help keep your blood sugar from rising after eating. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, which means that its carbs are digested more slowly. This also helps keep blood sugar from rising.
Who should not eat butternut squash? ›
Butternut squash is a healthful option, but its high potassium content may mean that some people should consume it in moderation. Beta-blockers are a type of medication commonly prescribed for people with heart disease. These can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood.
Is butternut squash OK for kidneys? ›
Squash can be a good choice for many peritoneal and home hemodialysis patients when you may need to eat more potassium rich foods. Eating squash will not have an effect on forming kidney stones. The National Kidney Foundation wishes to thank its Council on Renal Nutrition (CRN) for the development of this fact sheet.
Can you eat too much squash? ›
Although squash is rich in nutrients, it can make you ill if you're not careful. Squash can contain cucurbitacin E, which is a toxic compound that can cause cucurbit poisoning or toxic squash syndrome.
What happens to your body when you eat butternut squash every day? ›
Research shows that butternut squash can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, in particular. It can help your blood pressure. Butternut squash is high in potassium, which can help keep your blood pressure in check. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease.
Is butternut squash a carb or protein? ›
Summary. Butternut squash is a low-fat, lower-calorie source of carbohydrates with plenty of filling fiber. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A and C and contains thiamin, niacin, and folate.
Which is healthier butternut or pumpkin? ›
The key differences between these two fruits are found in harvest time; pumpkins are only available September – October, sometimes November, while butternut squash is available year-round. Nutrition profile; Butternut squash is more nutritionally well-rounded but pumpkins have fewer carbs and calories.
