How TO Buy Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is in season from October to February.
When it comes to picking a good butternut squash, weight is where it counts. Pick a few that are similar in size and shape, and compare. You want one that is heavy for its size. The skin is also a good indicator. It should be tan, free from any green, with a skin that is firm and taut. The stem should be dry and firm.
How to Store Butternut Squash
Keep whole gourds chillin’ in a cool, dark place with some decent airflow, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. That is one reason the stem matters. Skip the fridge—it’ll just speed up the spoiling process. And watch out for ethylene-emitting produce like apples and bananas! They put off a gas that butternut squash isn’t too fond of.
Butternut Squash Doesn’t Ripen
Here is why you want to choose a good butternut squash. They do not ripen after being picked. Unlike apples or bananas that keep ripening after they’re picked, butternut squash is non-climacteric, meaning it stays just as ripe as the day it was harvested. Think of it like strawberries or grapes—what you see is what you get!
Peeling Butternut (Microwave Hack)
You can simply make butternut squash easier to peel using your microwave. Skeptical? Watch my video above where I peel them side-by-side and see! Here is how.
- Prepare the squash: Start by preparing the squash. Take a fork or a pairing knife and pierce the skin of the gourd all over. You want to expose the flesh. Piercing the squash about 20 time across the skin.
- Microwave the squash: Place the squash in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Microwaving causes the starches and fibers in the flesh and the skin to soften. Heating the flesh allows steam to form, helping the peel separate from the flesh.
- Remove and let stand: After microwaving the butternut, let it cool so that is easy to handle. This allows more time for steam to form, making the peel ever more pliable. Cooling also makes it safer to handle for peeling.
- Peel the gourd: Using a vegetable peeler, hold the butternut squash in place and peel away from you.
