Butternut Squash

Background

Butternut Squash is a popular variety of winter squash. It is harvested in fall because it has a thick firm outer layer, and it can be stored for several months before being enjoyed later in winter. Butternut squash can be used as a staple ingredient in sweet and savory recipes: baked, boiled, or cooked in soups and stews are simple ways to prepare butternut squash. More creative ideas include pureeing the squash into a silky soup, roasting wedges to make fries, spiralizing it to make noodles, or adding the sweet puree into baked goods like muffins and loaves!

 

Benefits

• Is an excellent source of vitamin A and carotenoids which have shown to provide anti-cancer effects.
• Is a source of potassium, an electrolyte important to maintain proper hydration, muscle function and help regulate blood pressure.
• Provides potent antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and A, helping to boost the body’s ability to fight and prevent illness.

 

Nutritional Value of ½ cup (102 g) of Cooked Butternut Squash

• 48 calories
• 6 g carbohydrate
• 1 g fibre
• 1 g protein
• 1 g fat
• ~91% daily recommended intake of vitamin A
• ~7% daily recommended intake of potassium

 

Did You Know

Although butternut squash is used as a vegetable, it is technically a fruit!

 

Recipes

• Butternut Squash Soup
• Turkey Chili and Butternut Squash