Butternut Squash

Estimated Inventory, 35 lbs : 17.37
This item was last sold on : 04/20/25

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Description/Taste

Butternut squash is medium to large in size and has a bell-like shape with a long neck attached to a bulbous end. The smooth skin is very thin, light tan, firm, and is connected to a light brown, rough stem. The long neck of the Butternut squash contains a solid orange, dense, and moist flesh and in the bulbous end, there is a small hollow seed cavity with stringy pulp and a few flat, cream-colored seeds. When cooked, the flesh of the Butternut squash becomes tender and offers a mild squash flavor with sweet and nutty nuances.

Seasons/Availability

Butternut squash is available year-round, with peak season in the fall through winter.

Current Facts

Butternut squash, botanically classified as Cucurbita moschata, is a winter squash that grows on a trailing vine and is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with gourds and pumpkins. A relatively new variety, the Butternut squash we know today is the result of years of crookneck squash breeding to produce a variety with a more compact size, straight-necked trait, and stackable capabilities. Butternut squash is one of the most popular modern varieties on the market today and is valued for its thin, edible skin, dense flesh, and small seed cavity that produces little waste in cooking. It is also classified as a fruit but is commonly prepared as a vegetable and can be used in a wide variety of culinary applications.

Nutritional Value

Butternut squash provides vitamins A, C, and E, manganese, potassium, iron, soluble fiber, and magnesium. Deep orange colored squashes such as the Butternut are also rich in beta-carotene.

Applications

Butternut squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, toasting, steaming, sautéing, baking, braising, and grilling. It can be sliced into rounds, wedges, or cubes and added to curries, chili, soups, stews, risotto, a filling for tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, and ravioli. It can also be diced and used in lieu of potatoes in a hash or served atop pizza and flatbread. Butternut squash can be used in baked goods such as pies, bread, and muffins. The seeds of the squash are also popularly roasted, salted, and consumed as a snack food similar to pumpkin seeds. Butternut squash pairs well with sage, thyme, bay leaf, apple, cinnamon, pear, shallots, pecans, butter, cream, feta cheese, ground beef, sausage, and bacon. It will keep 1-2 months when stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Initially, straight neck winter squashes were not a preferred variety, and the lengthy, curvy winter crooknecks were the squash of choice. As the commercial shipping and distribution of squash in bulk increased in demand, the need for winter squash that was stackable and compact grew and inspired the development of modern Butternut varieties. This squash is also known for its thin skin, small seed cavity, and dense flesh which gives it the largest amount of flesh per dollar. The name of the original Butternut squash is believed to have come from the squash creator, Charles A. Leggett, who described the Butternut’s flavor as, “smooth as butter and sweet as a nut.” Today the farmland in Massachusetts where the original Butternut squash was developed is now a golf course aptly named, Butternut Farm Golf Club.

Geography/History

Early Butternut squashes were believed to have originated in the United States in the 1930’s as a natural outcrossing or mutation of the Canadian crookneck squash. These early Butternuts were problematic as the plants were not dependable in providing consistent production of straight necked squashes. As demand for compact, straight-necked squash increased and bulky crooknecks fell out of fashion, plant breeders worked hard to breed out these inconsistencies. One of the earliest known dependable Butternut varieties was believed to have been created by amateur breeder Charles A. Leggett around 1940, and after much experimentation in the garden, Leggett brought his squash to the Waltham Agricultural Experiment field station where the Waltham family helped to popularize his Butternut squash. Credit for the creation of this early Butternut variety is also given to Professor Robert E. Young of the Massachusetts College of Agriculture, who worked with the original squash from Leggett to create what would come to be known as the Waltham Butternut squash. Today Butternut squash is widely available in grocers and farmers markets in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Culinary Concepts	San Diego CA	619-865-1918
Salt & Whiskey	San Diego CA	619-544-1886
Portside Pier (TopSail)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Portside Pier (Brigantine)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Farmer and The Seahorse	San Diego CA	619-302-3682
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Brigantine La Mesa	La Mesa CA	619-465-1935
Stake Chophouse & Bar	Coronado CA	619-522-0077
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Park Commons - ARE	San Diego CA	619-295-3172
Monello (Bar)	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Fairmont Grand Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-314-1975
Fresco Cocina	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Gold Finch	San Diego CA	619-804-2051
Pendry SD (Provisional)	San Diego CA	619-738-7000
Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant)	San Diego CA	858-675-8505

the other 66...

Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Rosemary Trattoria	Coronado CA	619-669-8435
Public House 131	San Diego CA	858-537-0890
Javier Plascencia	Bonita CA	619-295-3172
Brigantine Pt Loma	San Diego CA	619-224-2871
Something Homemade	Vista CA	858-245-1004
Kairoa Brewing Company	San Diego CA	858-735-0051
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Red Door Friends	San Diego CA	619-295-6000
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza	Oceanside CA	760-310-1535
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering	San Diego CA	619-436-7006
Brigantine Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-481-1166
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Regency Twin Oaks	San Marcos CA	909-325-6941
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Pizzeria Luigi	San Diego CA	610-539-7025
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
The Remy	San Diego CA	619-886-1358
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Coasterra	San Diego CA	619-814-1300
Cucina Enoteca	Del Mar CA	619-239-2222
Mothership	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Brigantine Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-4166
Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef	San Diego CA	347-277-1958
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co.	San Diego CA	619-368-3705
Dino's Perfect Bite	San Diego CA	315-723-2275
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen	Oceanside CA	619-990-0158
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Ketch Grill and Taps	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
Candor	La Jolla CA	858-581-2205
Brigantine Escondido	Escondido CA	760-743-4718
Shore Rider	La Jolla CA	858-412-5308
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Ciccia Osteria	San Diego CA	619-674-4069
Cutwater Spirits	San Diego CA	619-672-3848
The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
Pete's Premade Paleo	San Diego CA	770-359-8274
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Palmys	San Diego CA	858-886-7111
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
WaterBar	San Diego CA	619-308-6500
Sheldons Service Station	La Mesa CA	619-741-8577
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy	San Diego CA	619-237-9606
The Hop Stop	Poway CA	858-859-2669
Marine Group Global Services LLC	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Sacred Sons	Jamul CA	970-619-0711
Javier Plascencia (Animalon)	Bonita CA	619-295-3172

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Butternut Squash. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Vanilla Garlic		Butternut Squash Cupcakes
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Pumpkin Peanut Butter Soup
Savory Simple		Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette
Chew Out Loud		Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Emily Bites		Butternut Squash Autumn Frittata
Cara's Cravings		Pear, Butternut Squash and Chorizo Hash
Sweet & Savory		Caramelized Butternut Squash
$5 Dinners		Cinnamon Butternut Squash Muffins
Recipe Girl		Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus with Toasted Pepitas
Super Healthy Kids		Butternut Squash & Kale Roll Ups

the other 73...

The Clever Carrot		Butternut Squash Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese & Balsamic Glaze
Savory Tooth		Butternut Squash Risotto with Mushrooms
Life Tastes Good		Oatmeal Butternut Squash Cookies
Dinner at the Zoo		Butternut Squash Pasta
Carlsbad Cravings		Baked Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine Nuts & Pepper Jack
Hello Glow		Creamy Vegan Butternut Soup
Julia's Album		Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Hungry Cravings		Butternut Squash Gnocchi
The Urban Poser		Apple & Bacon Butternut Squash Hash
Feasting at Home		Roasted Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Camille Styles		Butternut Squash Ravioli
Gouda Life		Roasted Butternut Squash and Asian Pear Soup
Simple Vegan Blog		Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Vegan Heaven		Fall Buddah Bowl with Quinoa
Inspired Bites		Sweet and Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Gimme Some Oven		Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Empowered Sustenance		"Cheesy" Chicken Casserole
The Noshery		Butternut & Sausage Hash Lasagna Rolls with Creamy Sage Sauce
Delicious Magazine		Butternut Squash, Spinach and Goat's Cheese Pie
Baby Foode		Roasted Butternut Squash & Thyme
Seasons And Suppers		Maple Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash
The Gunny Sack		Roasted Butternut Squash with Green Apples and Candied Walnuts
Oh My Veggies		Baked Sriracha Butternut Squash Fries
Minimalist Baker		Butternut Squash Hummus
Host The Toast		Thai Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
The Girl on Bloor		Butternut Squash Ravioli in a Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Diet Taste		Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach
Minimalist Baker		Gluten Free Butternut Squash Banana Bread
Produce on Parade		Fall Butternut Squash Soup
Love & Olive Oil		Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine Nuts, Balsamic Drizzle, and Fried Sage
My Saratoga Kitchen Table		WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH BAGUETTE CROUTONS
Love & Lemons		Vegan Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
A Little Zaftig		Butternut and Black Arkansas Apple Soup
The Veg Space		Butternut Roast
The Perfect Pantry		Roasted Winter Squash with Cranberries, Pepitas and Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Flourishing Foodie		Chili-Fried Butternut Squash Tacos with Mango Pineapple Salsa
Paleo Leap		Beef-Stuffed Butternut Squash
Will Cook For Smiles		Slow Cooker Winter Squash Beef Stew
Renee Nicole's Kitchen		Rustic Butternut Squash Ravioli
Paleo Running Mama		Chorizo Butternut Pizza Hash with Baked Eggs
A Hint of Honey		Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna with Smoky Marinara Sauce
Farm Fresh Feasts		Five Cheese Pizza with Indigo Rose Tomato and Almond Pesto on a Butternut Squash Crust
Life Tastes Good		Stuffed Butternut Squash
Urban Bliss Life		Butternut Squash Hash
Green Healthy Cooking		Butternut Squash Nachos
The Healthy Foodie		Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
Kitchen Konfidence		Butternut Squash Pizza
How Sweet Eats		Butternut Squash Skillet Lasagna
Recipes From a Pantry		Peanut Buttery Butternut Squash Soup
The Magical Slow Cooker		Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash
Making Thyme for Health		Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
The Pretty Bee		Butternut Squash Soup
Gimme Some Oven		Spiced Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Alexandra's Kitchen		Butternut Squash and Crispy Sage Pizza
The Taste Space		South African Spiced Butternut Squash and Roasted Banana Soup with Coconut and Lime
Cooking For Keeps		Butternut Squash, Apple Cider, & Cheddar Soup
Taste and Tell		Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
Damn Delicious		Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Soup
Natural Noshing		Butternut Squash Spread on Cheese Croutons
Joyful Healthy Eats		Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
Pinch My Salt		Butternut Squash Pudding
Cooking Classy		Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin
Food Babbles		Butternut Squash Chips
Rachel Schultz		Butternut Squash & Sausage Stuffed Shells
Town and Country Living		Vegetable Pot Pie
Half Baked Harvest		Cranberry Roasted Butternut Persimmon Salad with Fried Goat Cheese
Taste and Tell		Quiche with Butternut Squash and Kale
The Wednesday Chef		Squash and Cheese Pie
Healthy Seasonal Recipes		Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash
Baby Foode		Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Th Earthy Delights Blog		Roasted Butternut Squash with Truffle Honey, Thyme & Almonds
Green Healthy Cooking		Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Vegetable Matter		Butternut Squash, Feta and Jalapeno Quesadillas