Butternut Squash

Estimated Inventory, 35 lbs : 23.88
This item was last sold on : 07/17/25

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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.

Poseidon on the Beach	Del Mar CA	858-755-9345
Javier Plascencia (Animalon)	Bonita CA	619-295-3172
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
Bleu Boheme	San Diego CA	619-255-4167
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens	Escondido CA	915-861-2297
Crest Cafe	San Diego CA	619-295-2510
Knotty Barrel- Rancho	San Diego CA	858-484-8758
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
California Culinary Arts Institute	San Diego CA	858-868-1401
Encontro North Park	San Diego CA	310-955-6333
Ketch Grill and Taps	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Marriott Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-3000 x6335
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck)	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill	Oceanside CA	760-407-8500
Ranch Catering	San Diego CA	858-491-9100
WaterBar	San Diego CA	619-308-6500

the other 48...

Searcher Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-861-4640
The Crossings	Carlsbad CA	760-444-1800
Miho	San Diego CA	619-365-5655
Feast and Fareway	Coronado CA	619-356-5444
Third Corner Ocean Beach	San Diego CA	619-223-2700
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
The Plot	Oceanside CA	422-266-8200
Bernini's Bistro	La Jolla CA	858-454-5013
Civico 1845	San Diego CA	574-210-4025
Gold Finch	San Diego CA	619-804-2051
Ciccia Osteria	San Diego CA	619-674-4069
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Marriott Del Mar	San Diego CA	858-369-6029
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza	Oceanside CA	760-310-1535
Mothership	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
The Hop Stop	Poway CA	858-859-2669
Sheldons Service Station	La Mesa CA	619-741-8577
Secret Sister	San Diego CA	619-281-0718
Chocolate Bar	Carlsbad CA	442-500-2007
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Huntress	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
The Plot Restaurant (Costa Mesa)	Costa Mesa CA	714-852-3181
The Shores	La Jolla CA	858-459-8271
Lodge at Torrey Pines Main	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Lauberge Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-259-1515
Rosemary Trattoria	Coronado CA	619-669-8435
Fresco Cocina	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining	San Diego CA	858-759-3150
The Remy	San Diego CA	619-886-1358
Shoreside Support Boat	San Diego CA	704-277-7929
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Ron Oliver	San Diego	619-295-3172
Red Door Friends	San Diego CA	619-295-6000
Joya Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-255-5979
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Del Mar Country Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-5995
Mission Ave Bar and Grill	Oceanside CA	760-717-5899

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Butternut Squash. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Feasting at Home		Roasted Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Carlsbad Cravings		Baked Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine Nuts & Pepper Jack
Camille Styles		Butternut Squash Ravioli
Vegan Heaven		Fall Buddah Bowl with Quinoa
Flourishing Foodie		Chili-Fried Butternut Squash Tacos with Mango Pineapple Salsa
Inspired Bites		Sweet and Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash
Rachel Schultz		Butternut Squash & Sausage Stuffed Shells
Life Tastes Good		Oatmeal Butternut Squash Cookies
Gimme Some Oven		Spiced Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Super Healthy Kids		Butternut Squash & Kale Roll Ups

the other 73...

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