It's freshly fall, so everybody's all like, "Butternut squash soup this," and "Butternut squash in a risotto that," and I am not complaining. Butternut squash is a type of winter squash, and unlike summer squash, has a thick rind that allows it to be kept for long periods of time, which is why you see it used all throughout the fall and winter. Believe it or not, squash is actually a fruit. You read that right. It is not a vegetable, but because it's so often used like one, we just go with it. Roast it, bake it, sauté it. You can have it raw if you like, but I prefer not to. Put it on a salad or in a pasta, or have it scrambled in your eggs. Make a soup out of it even! Butternut squash tastes sweet and kind of nutty, with a texture somewhat similar to a sweet potato. It can be used in sweet and savory dishes. It's packed with vitamins that promote eye health, bone health, healthy cell renewal and a naturally functioning immune system. It's high in fiber so it aides with digestion and helps prevent constipation. High dietary fiber intake can also promote weight loss. Because it is high in potassium, however, anyone who is medicated with beta blockers or ACE inhibitors, should limit their intake. This goes for potassium rich foods in general. Otherwise, unless you have a rare allergy to butternut squash, have at it! It's low in calories and loaded with antioxidants that give your body energy. The Vitamin E compounds potentially help to reduce the risk of age-related conditions like Alzheimer's. The Vitamin A not only helps regulate cell growth, eye health, and bone health, but is vital for fetal growth and development in mothers-to-be. Its electrolytes help stimulate muscle contraction and nerve impulses, and also control fluids, maintaining an appropriate balance in the body. Its color is yellowish orange. Fun fact about brightly colored fruits and vegetables like these, is that they are known to have antioxidants that have a powerful impact on heart disease. Not last and certainly not least, butternut squash is also rich in Vitamin C, which not only helps with our immune function, but with wound healing and tissue repair as well.
There are various ways to use butternut squash in your recipes, but if you can't get past how to peel it, slice it, and cut it, they're useless. Gimme Some Oven has an easy-to-follow video tutorial, along with written directions on how to select and prepare butternut squash, recipes, and even ways to store it. I can assure you that butternut squash isn't going away, so the more you can embrace it and find comfort in its finest season, the better. Knowing its benefits will hopefully help you get past the pain of prepping it. In fact, once you peel it, you get to dissect it, which I always find fun to do with foods. Speaking of, have you ever cut into a pomegranate? Insert smiley face with hearts for eyes here.
Okay, so butternut squash then! 'tis the season. Hope you can find some ways to enjoy.
I love butternut squash! Thanks for the informative post!