Butternut squash (2024)

FAQs

Is butternut squash healthier than sweet potatoes? ›

To begin with, the butternut squash beats the sweet potato with fewer calories, carbs and sugar per serving. Moreover, it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B6 and E. On the other hand, the sweet potato, however, provides more fiber and protein.

Fast facts about butternut squash

It is a good source of fiber, potassium, and several other key nutrients. The nutritional content of squash makes it beneficial for digestion, blood pressure, and for healthy skin and hair, among others. Squash can enhance or form the basis of a range of sweet and savory dishes.

Butternut squash is a low-calorie food and is packed with nutrients. While it's higher in carbs than some other veggies, its low glycemic index (a ranking of how carbs affect blood sugar) still makes it a healthy choice for most people.

You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups. You can also roast the seeds and eat them as a snack or sprinkled over a finished dish.

Winter squash: Winter squash, including butternut squash and acorn squash, is a starchy vegetable that is high in carbs. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains around 21 grams of carbs, while one cup of cooked acorn squash contains around 15 grams.

As for nutrition, a cup of cooked cubed butternut squash has just 80 calories, 22 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of sugars, and supplies an impressive array of nutrients.

One cup of cooked butternut squash has only 83 calories and provides 7 grams of filling fiber — making it an excellent choice to lose excess weight and body fat. It contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been associated with fat loss and decreased appetite.

Special Precautions and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Butternut is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people, but it can cause diarrhea and irritation of the stomach and intestines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use butternut in large amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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.

Slice the squash into manageable chunks, like 1-inch cubes or slices. Spread the cubes or slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze at least one hour, or until fully frozen. Transfer the frozen squash to a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to a year.

How to tell if butternut squash is ripe? ›

The One Way To Tell Butternut Squash Is Ripe

Light to dark green spots on the skin tells you it's definitely not ready to be eaten. If the skin is very pale—more creamy white than tan—it's not ripe. Look for a rich tan, darker amber, or orange color. It should also be matte, not glossy.

That's right, you can eat butternut squash raw (yep, we said it). Raw butternut squash is carrot-like and holds up well in crunchy salads and slaws. If opting for raw squash over cooked squash, start by peeling away the tough outer skin (FYI, you can eat the skin when it's cooked.