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Honeynut Squash

Inventory, 10 lbs : 0

• 6 Recipe Ideas

• 35 ShareMarket®

Description/Taste

Honeynut squash is small in size, averaging 10-13 centimeters in length, and has the traditional bell shape of a butternut squash, only much smaller with a short, bulbous bottom and long neck. The thin, smooth rind matures from green to mottled orange with streaks of dark green to an all-over deep orange when fully ripe. The flesh is firm, moist, and orange with a small cavity in the bulbous end of the squash filled with stringy pulp and a few flat, cream-colored seeds. Once harvested, Honeynut squash is cured up to three weeks in a temperature-controlled setting, which allows for the sugars to condense within the flesh and the skin to harden. When cooked, Honeynut squash is tender and creamy with a sweet, nutty, caramel, and malt-like flavor.

Seasons/Availability

Honeynut squash is available in the fall through winter.

Current Facts

Honeynut squash is a new hybrid variety of Cucurbita moschata, developed by Cornell University, and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with pumpkins and gourds. A cross between a butternut and a buttercup squash, Honeynut squash took nearly thirty years to perfect through many years of partnership between universities and seed companies, and it had to overcome the perception that bigger isn’t always better. After the squash’s release, it was introduced in the G9 Chef’s Summit where nine of the top chef’s in the world meet to discuss food-related issues. The new squash variety then became well-known for its rich flavor packed in a small size and was listed at #39 on the Saveur 100 in 2015, which is a survey used along with recipe trials to distinguish exceptional food and produce from the well-known food, wine, and travel magazine. Honeynut squash can be used in a variety of culinary applications and is favored for its small, individual serving size and rich flavor.

Nutritional Value

Honeynut squash was created from butternut and buttercup squash, two cultivars that have been shown to contain vitamin A, a nutrient to help maintain normal organ functioning, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. The squashes also provide lower amounts of potassium, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Applications

Honeynut squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, baking, boiling, and sautéing, and is a bit easier to prepare than butternut squash due to the smaller size. The recommended preparation for the sweet squash is roasting, which allows the sugars in the flesh to caramelize, and this maximizes the flavor profile of the squash. Honeynut squash can be used in any recipe calling for butternut or other winter squash varieties and can be added to soups, stews, or braising liquids. It can also be roasted and pureed, mashed, or cooled and combined with nuts, cheeses and bitter lettuces for salads or side dishes. Honeynut squash pairs well with radicchio, kale, miso, green apples, pine nuts, farro, quinoa, garlic, onion, chives, thyme, sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, Parmigiano Reggiano, mushrooms, corn, black beans, maple syrup, and honey. It will keep up to a month when stored in a cool and dry place, and any peeled or prepared portions can be refrigerated for up to a week. Raw, cut Honeynut squash can be frozen up to three months.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Honeynut squash has been celebrated as a collaboration between plant breeders, farmers, chefs, and seed companies. Cornell University’s Plant Breeding and Genetics department regularly collaborate with local chefs and farmers on experimental varieties. Through a partnership with Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, a farm in upstate New York, the university is able to conduct seed trials as well as connect with chefs. The farm boasts a restaurant, Blue Hill Farm, that purchases roughly 50% of its produce from Stone Barns. The restaurant’s chef and co-owner have a direct line to seed developers as well as the opportunity to experiment with different food grown in the farm’s seed trials. According to researchers with Cornell University, this partnership was instrumental in the release of the Honeynut squash variety.

Geography/History

Honeynut squash has its origins in Geneva, New York at Cornell University’s Agricultural Experiment Station. During the 1980s, a professor emeritus of horticulture crossed a butternut squash with a buttercup variety. The original result of that cross never made it to market, but the research continued with another professor, Molly Jahn, who was working towards greater collaboration between the university, seed companies, and consumers. It was Jahn’s advisee and fellow professor of plant breeding and genetics, Michael Mazourek, who continued with the research. Following the philosophy of his predecessor, Mazourek collaborated with a local farmer for seed trials on the Honeynut squash beginning in 2006 and was eventually released in 2015. Today Honeynut squash can be found through online seed companies, local farms at farmer’s markets, and at specialty grocers in the United States.

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Honeynut Squash. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Tasty Oasis		Roasted Honeynut Squash with Za'Atar and Pomegranate Molasses
Eat Up New York		Honeynut Squash Risotto
Wall Flower Kitchen		Vegan Butternut Squash & Chili Pepper Risotto
My Saratoga Kitchen Table		HONEYNUT SQUASH WITH PASTA
It's Not as Easy Eating Green		Twice-Baked Honeynut Squash with Sage and Gouda
Dishing Up The Dirt		Twice Baked Honeynut Squash

Recently Shared

People have shared Honeynut Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.

Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Country Rhodes Family Farms

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 71 days ago, 11/19/22
Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Country Rhodes Family Farms

Metropolitan Market Near Seattle, Washington, United States
About 72 days ago, 11/18/22
Sharer's comments : Honey Nut squash are in season @metropolitan market Queen Ann Seattle

PSU Farmers Market

Sungold Farm
Portland, OR

Near Portland, Oregon, United States
About 92 days ago, 10/29/22

Santa Monica Farmers Market

The Garden Of...

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 95 days ago, 10/26/22
Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash From The Garden Of

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Country Rhodes Farms

Near Santa Monica, California, United States
About 99 days ago, 10/22/22
Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Country Rhodes Family Farms

Union Square Greenmarket

Central Valley Farm
http://www.centralvalleyfarm.com

Near New York, United States
About 100 days ago, 10/21/22
Sharer's comments : Fresh Honey Nut squash at Union Square Green Market grown by Central Valley Farms in New York