7 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes To Get You In The Fall Mood (2024)

FAQs

What are 3 ways you can eat butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash are harvested in late summer and autumn, but because they keep so well, they can be found all year round.

Pumpkins and squash have very extensive root systems and respond to thorough soil preparation and the application of 3 to 4 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Fertilizer should be broadcast evenly and worked into the top two to three inches of soil prior to seeding.

Microwaving the squash will make it much easier to peel. Simply slice off the top and bottom, poke the squash all over with a fork and microwave it on high for about 3 minutes. When it's cool enough to handle, peel the squash. The softened flesh will make peeling (and slicing) way easier.

Digestive Health

Fiber doesn't just help you feel full—it's also a nutrient that promotes gut health. Butternut squash provides a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Both work together to promote regular bowel movements and keep them soft so they are easier to pass.

Butternut squash contains considerable amounts of fiber, which can help you keep a healthy weight and regulate bowel movements. It's known to help prevent colorectal cancer while the beta-carotene in butternut squash can also improve eye health.

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a superb source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which can contribute to lower inflammation levels. Blend butternut squash into soups or roast it with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish.

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a type of winter squash. The plants are annuals that grow in almost any climate. They are planted in spring, following the last frost of the season. Their vines grow quickly, but the fruits may not be ready to harvest for three to four months from planting time.

Butternut squash and some other winter squashes don't need any extra support for their fruit, unlike melons (which do need the support of slings to keep from falling off the trellised vines). But I probably wouldn't try trellising squashes that will exceed 10 pounds or so.

How long does it take butternut squash to mature after flowering? ›

In general, butternut squash takes about 100 to 120 days from planting time to mature. So if you're growing butternut squash and you planted seeds in late spring, you'll begin harvesting by late summer.

You should also take care not to plant too many hungry leafy crops with shallow roots close by. These will also compete with the squash for nutrients and could reduce the vigour of your plants and the overall yield you can obtain from them.

Use a sharp knife (or a sturdy vegetable peeler) to carefully remove the skin. Alternatively, the skin can stay on because it's edible when roasted! But if adding to a soup (or recipe where it won't be roasted), remove and discard. Remove any seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop.

Generally, butternut squash is safe to feed to most pooches, unless your vet has advised otherwise. As a guide, we would recommend feeding small dogs no more than 1 or 2 teaspoons of butternut squash, whilst bigger dogs can eat up to 3 or 4 tablespoons of butternut squash.

Raw butternut squash can cause some people to develop an allergic skin reaction called “squash hands.” Wearing gloves while handling the fruit or purchasing prepared butternut squash can help you prevent this skin reaction. A 1% hydrocortisone cream can help alleviate squash hands symptoms.

Scoop out the creamy flesh and eat as is or blend into a puree. Peel the halves and chop the firm orange flesh into cubes. Toss the squash with olive oil and roast at 400°F until tender-but-firm (about 30 minutes should do the trick). Boil the cubes, drain 'em, and make a mash.

All varieties can be eaten raw. Shred raw summer squash for a taco filling — or as a substitute for shredded lettuce on a burger or a hot dog. Shred for a slaw with radishes and jicama. (Squeeze moisture by the handful from the shredded vegetable so it doesn't water down the dressing.)