Butternut Squash

Estimated Inventory, 35 lbs : 41.12
This item was last sold on : 05/10/25

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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.

UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Jeune Et Jolie Bar	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Mesa College	San Diego CA	619-388-2240
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Carbon	San Diego CA	702-423-3807
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Rosemary Trattoria	Coronado CA	619-669-8435
Mothership	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
Kairoa Brewing Company	San Diego CA	858-735-0051
Javier Plascencia (Animalon)	Bonita CA	619-295-3172
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Sheraton La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-453-5500
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
Cutwater Spirits	San Diego CA	619-672-3848
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy	San Diego CA	619-237-9606
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Brigantine Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-4166
Portside Pier (Brigantine)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030

the other 54...

Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District	El Cajon CA	619-644-7585
Ketch Grill and Taps	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Cal A Vie	Vista CA	760-945-2055
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
Brigantine Escondido	Escondido CA	760-743-4718
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Regency Twin Oaks	San Marcos CA	909-325-6941
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Gold Finch	San Diego CA	619-804-2051
Candor	La Jolla CA	858-581-2205
Yoann Taboyan, Personal Chef	San Diego CA	347-277-1958
Marine Group Global Services LLC	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
College Cuisine-Pi Beta Phi	San Diego CA	310-634-2371
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Public House 131	San Diego CA	858-537-0890
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Deeply Nourished	La Jolla CA	808-489-7366
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
The Smoking Goat	San Diego CA	858-232-4220
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
WaterBar	San Diego CA	619-308-6500
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Brigantine La Mesa	La Mesa CA	619-465-1935
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Monello (Bar)	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Living Coast Discovery Center	Chula Vista CA	619-409-5900
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Brigantine Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-481-1166
Sheldons Service Station	La Mesa CA	619-741-8577
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
The Remy	San Diego CA	619-886-1358
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Food by Chef Ty	Vista CA	424-278-8626
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
Aztec Shop Catering	San Diego CA	619 594-3576
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
Nectarine Grove	Encinitas CA	760-944-4525
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Brigantine Pt Loma	San Diego CA	619-224-2871
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
Fresco Cocina	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Ciccia Osteria	San Diego CA	619-674-4069

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Butternut Squash. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Recipes From a Pantry		Peanut Buttery Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe Girl		Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus with Toasted Pepitas
The Perfect Pantry		Roasted Winter Squash with Cranberries, Pepitas and Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
Vanilla Garlic		Butternut Squash Cupcakes
The Noshery		Butternut & Sausage Hash Lasagna Rolls with Creamy Sage Sauce
Savory Simple		Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette
Life Tastes Good		Oatmeal Butternut Squash Cookies
Minimalist Baker		Butternut Squash Hummus
Farm Fresh Feasts		Five Cheese Pizza with Indigo Rose Tomato and Almond Pesto on a Butternut Squash Crust
Baby Foode		Roasted Butternut Squash & Thyme

the other 73...

Paleo Running Mama		Chorizo Butternut Pizza Hash with Baked Eggs
Taste and Tell		Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
Joyful Healthy Eats		Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta
Vegetable Matter		Butternut Squash, Feta and Jalapeno Quesadillas
Urban Bliss Life		Butternut Squash Hash
Vegan Heaven		Fall Buddah Bowl with Quinoa
Minimalist Baker		Gluten Free Butternut Squash Banana Bread
Cara's Cravings		Pear, Butternut Squash and Chorizo Hash
The Gunny Sack		Roasted Butternut Squash with Green Apples and Candied Walnuts
Produce on Parade		Fall Butternut Squash Soup
A Little Zaftig		Butternut and Black Arkansas Apple Soup
Th Earthy Delights Blog		Roasted Butternut Squash with Truffle Honey, Thyme & Almonds
Hello Glow		Creamy Vegan Butternut Soup
Chew Out Loud		Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Julia's Album		Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
The Wednesday Chef		Squash and Cheese Pie
Cooking Classy		Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin
Love & Olive Oil		Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine Nuts, Balsamic Drizzle, and Fried Sage
Food Babbles		Butternut Squash Chips
Baby Foode		Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Simple Vegan Blog		Vegan Butternut Squash Risotto
Savory Tooth		Butternut Squash Risotto with Mushrooms
Pinch My Salt		Butternut Squash Pudding
Carlsbad Cravings		Baked Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine Nuts & Pepper Jack
$5 Dinners		Cinnamon Butternut Squash Muffins
The Clever Carrot		Butternut Squash Stuffed Mushrooms with Goat Cheese & Balsamic Glaze
Renee Nicole's Kitchen		Rustic Butternut Squash Ravioli
The Urban Poser		Apple & Bacon Butternut Squash Hash
Emily Bites		Butternut Squash Autumn Frittata
Seasons And Suppers		Maple Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash
A Hint of Honey		Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna with Smoky Marinara Sauce
Camille Styles		Butternut Squash Ravioli
Natural Noshing		Butternut Squash Spread on Cheese Croutons
Kitchen Konfidence		Butternut Squash Pizza
Alexandra's Kitchen		Butternut Squash and Crispy Sage Pizza
Making Thyme for Health		Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole
Flourishing Foodie		Chili-Fried Butternut Squash Tacos with Mango Pineapple Salsa
Inspired Bites		Sweet and Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Half Baked Harvest		Cranberry Roasted Butternut Persimmon Salad with Fried Goat Cheese
Oh My Veggies		Baked Sriracha Butternut Squash Fries
The Veg Space		Butternut Roast
Green Healthy Cooking		Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Soup
Super Healthy Kids		Butternut Squash & Kale Roll Ups
Rachel Schultz		Butternut Squash & Sausage Stuffed Shells
Green Healthy Cooking		Butternut Squash Nachos
Damn Delicious		Roasted Butternut Squash and Bacon Soup
Will Cook For Smiles		Slow Cooker Winter Squash Beef Stew
Town and Country Living		Vegetable Pot Pie
The Healthy Foodie		Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
Diet Taste		Orzo with Butternut Squash and Spinach
Cooking For Keeps		Butternut Squash, Apple Cider, & Cheddar Soup
Hungry Cravings		Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Gimme Some Oven		Spiced Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
The Magical Slow Cooker		Slow Cooker Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash
My Kids Lick The Bowl		Pumpkin Peanut Butter Soup
The Pretty Bee		Butternut Squash Soup
Sweet & Savory		Caramelized Butternut Squash
The Taste Space		South African Spiced Butternut Squash and Roasted Banana Soup with Coconut and Lime
Delicious Magazine		Butternut Squash, Spinach and Goat's Cheese Pie
The Girl on Bloor		Butternut Squash Ravioli in a Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Dinner at the Zoo		Butternut Squash Pasta
Taste and Tell		Quiche with Butternut Squash and Kale
How Sweet Eats		Butternut Squash Skillet Lasagna
Love & Lemons		Vegan Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
Healthy Seasonal Recipes		Easy Garlic Herb Butternut Squash
Gouda Life		Roasted Butternut Squash and Asian Pear Soup
My Saratoga Kitchen Table		WINTER SQUASH SOUP WITH BAGUETTE CROUTONS
Gimme Some Oven		Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Host The Toast		Thai Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
Life Tastes Good		Stuffed Butternut Squash
Paleo Leap		Beef-Stuffed Butternut Squash
Feasting at Home		Roasted Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Empowered Sustenance		"Cheesy" Chicken Casserole