Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is a winter squash native to South Africa. It is an edible squash whose orange flesh has a sweet, hazelnut-like flavor. It can be baked, pureed for delicious cream soups or purees, used in casseroles, and used to make pastries and cakes. It can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 9 months. Its flavor intensifies as it ripens. The stalks should be preserved to prevent dehydration. Once cut, it can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in cling film. It can be peeled and cooked and frozen. The flavor can be enhanced with brown sugar or apple syrup. It can be used in sweet dishes, soups, and pies, and is excellent steamed, boiled, or baked.
Nutritional value per 100 g (37 kcal):
Carbohydrates 8.8 g
Fat 0.23 g
Water 88.72 %
Protein 8.8 g
Fiber 1.6 g
Pumpkins are rich in calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B and C and fiber. The oranger the butternut squash flesh, the higher the vitamin A content.
