Butternut

Butternut squash is a winter squash with a distinctive bell shape and smooth, tan skin. It has a sweet, nutty flavor that is often compared to pumpkin. Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. It can be roasted, baked, boiled, or pureed, and is commonly used in soups, stews, curries, and casseroles. Butternut squash is easy to grow in a home garden, but is typically in season from late summer through winter. When selecting butternut squash, look for specimens that are heavy for their size, with a hard, unblemished rind. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to a month. To prepare butternut squash, cut off the stem and blossom ends, and then peel and seed it before cooking.