I absolutely LOVE butternut squash! It is one of those ingredients that you can use in so many different ways– roasted, mashed, in lasagna, in soup, savory or sweet. You can find butternut squash year-round, but I especially love seeing it in giant bins of colorful squashes every fall at the grocery store. It is one of the most affordable vegetables right now, and lasts a lot longer than other fresh produce. I keep a few extra in my kitchen for an easy vegetable side dish when I am running low on groceries.
Why should you eat more butternut squash? In addition to being delicious, this fruit (yes fruit, it contains seeds) is highly nutritious. Butternut squash is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, low in fat, and is a good source of fiber. It contains significant amounts of potassium, vitamin B6 and nutrients known as carotenoids, which have been shown to protect against heart disease. It also contains beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, and one cup gives you nearly half your recommended daily dose of vitamin C. What are you waiting for?! Get roasting! More…
