Buttercup Squash– All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is buttercup squash?

Buttercup squash is sweet and nutty winter squash. It has a dark green exterior that features silvery-gray lines. Often the surface can resemble an acorn squash. The interior is often a dense dark yellow to orange hue and can also have a deep red shade. Buttercup squash is a part of the Cucurbitaceae squash family.

What is the difference between buttercup and butternut squash?

The difference between the buttercup squash and butternut squash is their coloring and shape. While buttercup squash is round and dark green, the butternut squash, which is the most popular of the winter squashes, is easily identified as a tan bowling pin shape.

Where did buttercup squash originate from?

Squash has a long history dating back more than 10,000 years. Crops of squash originated from Mexico and Central America. The word squash originates from the Native American word, “askutasquah.”

What are the nutritional value and benefits of buttercup squash?

Buttercup squash has plenty of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene that will turn into Vitamin A, which will help boost the body’s immune system. The deep orange color within the buttercup that acts as a powerful antioxidant also has anti-inflammatory abilities. It is also believed that the carotenoids in buttercup squash may reduce the chance of developing cancer or other serious diseases. The buttercup squash contains Vitamin C, which helps with immunity. Potassium is also found in buttercup squash, which helps lower blood pressure.

How is buttercup squash grown?

To grow a buttercup squash crop, they will need to be planted in fertile soil that is well-drained in an area where they can get full sun. When growing buttercup squash, you should combine any compost and other organic matter before planting to ensure the seeds have nutrients. Buttercup squash should be spaced roughly 6 feet apart.

Growers will usually start the seeds indoors and grow for 8 weeks before transplanting them into the ground to help ensure they won’t be damaged from the chance of frost. The best time to transplant butternut squash is when they have two pairs of true leaves.

It’s important to keep the buttercup squash slightly moist and to utilize mulch to help retain that moisture. Placing mulch around the roots will also help deter weeds from overtaking the crop.

When is buttercup squash in season?

The buttercup squash is known as a winter squash. The peak season to find buttercup squash in the store is early fall through winter.

What should I look for when buying buttercup squash?

When picking out a buttercup squash, it’s important to find one that’s ripe. The best way to determine if a buttercup squash is ready to eat is by feeling the cap of the squash. If it’s firm, it’s ready to be enjoyed.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for buttercup squash via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for buttercup squash.

How to store buttercup squash

The best place to store a buttercup squash is in a cool and dry place. The most common areas would be in a pantry or on a shelf in a cabinet. A root cellar is another excellent option. If the buttercup squash is stored correctly, it can last for 1 to 2 months.

How to tell if buttercup squash is bad

The best way to tell if a buttercup squash has gone bad is to feel the shell of the squash. If the squash starts to develop soft and mushy areas, then it is likely that the buttercup squash is past its prime. Another indicator to look for is a change in color. Buttercup squash should be dark green with silvery-gray lines. Any deviation to those rich colors will likely indicate the buttercup squash has gone bad.

How to prepare a buttercup squash

Buttercup squash is simple to prepare. Choose a ripe squash and cut it in half along with the stem. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You can set the seeds aside and roast them as an additional treat!

The most common way that buttercup squash is enjoyed is by roasting them or using them in a stew. The moisture through stewing or steaming will help bring out the sweet and nutty flavor in the buttercup squash.

Buttercup squash can be roasted in the oven or brought to a boil on the stovetop. Depending on your preference, you can remove the skin on the buttercup squash, which will help moisten the squash and bring out the flavor.

Buttercup squash is also commonly used in creamy soups because it offers the perfect hearty base.

What can I substitute for buttercup squash?

There are a variety of substitutes that you can choose from if you’re trying to replace buttercup squash in a recipe. The most likely choice would be to select from other winter squashes that are available.

Pumpkins are the closest match to the buttercup squash. The buttercup squash is almost a miniature pumpkin, with the exception that their exteriors differ in color. They both share an orange to red interior color. They also have a similar sweet and nutty taste.

Acorn squash and buttercup squash look very similar. They are roughly the same size and color. They have a similar taste. However, the acorn squash is known more as the pepper squash.

The butternut squash is another great option to replace the buttercup squash in a recipe. While they differ in size and color, they are known as cousins and have the same sweet, nutty, and creamy taste.

Where to find and buy buttercup squash

Instacart offers fresh, high-quality buttercup squash produce, as well as convenient same-day pick-up or delivery options near you. Use the app to start shopping to add an item. If you select the delivery option, your shopper will leave your order at the door and tell you when it has arrived.

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