




Honeynut Squash
Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
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

Recently Shared
People have shared Honeynut Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Country Rhodes Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 79 days ago, 11/19/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Country Rhodes Family Farms ![]() About 80 days ago, 11/18/22 Sharer's comments : Honey Nut squash are in season @metropolitan market Queen Ann Seattle ![]() ![]()
Sungold Farm
Near Portland, Oregon, United StatesPortland, OR About 100 days ago, 10/29/22 ![]() ![]()
The Garden Of...
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 103 days ago, 10/26/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash From The Garden Of ![]() ![]()
Country Rhodes Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 107 days ago, 10/22/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Country Rhodes Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Central Valley Farm
Near New York, United Stateshttp://www.centralvalleyfarm.com About 108 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 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 120 days ago, 10/09/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Weiser Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 124 days ago, 10/05/22 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 127 days ago, 10/02/22 ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 138 days ago, 9/21/22 ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 145 days ago, 9/14/22 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 159 days ago, 8/31/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Weiser Family Farms ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 166 days ago, 8/24/22 ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 173 days ago, 8/17/22 ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 180 days ago, 8/10/22 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 184 days ago, 8/06/22 ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 194 days ago, 7/27/22 ![]() ![]() About 400 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Black Sheep Produce ![]() ![]() About 421 days ago, 12/12/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Black Sheep Produce ![]() ![]()
Black Sheep Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 456 days ago, 11/07/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Black Sheep Produce ![]() ![]() About 477 days ago, 10/17/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Black Sheep Produce ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 481 days ago, 10/13/21 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 485 days ago, 10/09/21 ![]() ![]() About 491 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut Squash from Black Sheep Produce ![]() ![]()
Alex Weiser
Near Santa Monica, California, United States511 Hill st. #205 Santa Monica Ca 90405 1-310-930-0903 About 502 days ago, 9/22/21 ![]() ![]()
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 504 days ago, 9/20/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut squash from black sheep produce ![]() ![]()
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 507 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Honeynut squash from black sheep produce ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 509 days ago, 9/15/21 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 516 days ago, 9/08/21 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 523 days ago, 9/01/21 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 527 days ago, 8/28/21 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 527 days ago, 8/28/21 ![]() ![]() About 530 days ago, 8/25/21 ![]() ![]()
Weiser Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 534 days ago, 8/21/21 ![]() ![]()
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 537 days ago, 8/18/21 |