Fast Facts

In the Past

Between Mexico and Guatemala, wild squash were discovered and cultivated for their seeds 10,000 years ago. Eventually, the squash was developed into a plant similar to what we know today, eaten for its sweet orange flesh.

In the Soil

Butternut squash is in the family Curcurbitae, related to zucchini, cucumber, and other winter squash like the pumpkin. It grows on a vine with large leaves, and develops into a long orange shaped gourd. Winter squash, including butternut, are an easy crop to grow in a garden.

In the Kitchen

When cut open, butternut squash has a deep orange flesh. Once cooked, the flesh of the squash gourd has a sweet, nutty taste. The seeds can be roasted and eaten just like pumpkin seeds. Squash can be peeled and roasted or added to soups, or baked whole and mashed or pureed, or eaten straight out of the skin.

In the Body

Squash are a natural source of complex carbohydrates and are full of potassium, vitamin A, C, folic acid, pantothenic acid and copper.