Butternut squash: photos, benefits and harm

Butternut squash is a herbaceous plant of the Cucurbitaceae family native to Mexico. This is an annual creeping plant, which, among other types of pumpkins, is distinguished by a particularly sweet taste of the pulp and a rich vitamin composition. In addition, the product is considered to be dietary due to its low calorie content, which is why nutmeg pumpkin is often included in the daily diet for weight loss.

General description of butternut squash

This vegetable crop received its name for the specific nutmeg smell that appears when cutting the fruit. The shape and color of the ripened fruits can vary greatly depending on the variety of butternut squash, as can be seen in the photo below, however, some common features can be identified:

1. The average weight of nutmeg pumpkin varies from 1 to 10 kg, sometimes among large-fruited varieties there are specimens weighing 25-30 kg.
2. The peduncle of the species has 5 sides.
3. The pulp of the vegetable is quite dense; there are practically no hollow places in its structure. Its consistency is juicy and fibrous.
4. Pumpkin seeds are located in one place, making the fruit easy to cut.
5. What distinguishes nutmeg pumpkin from other types is the sweet taste of its pulp.
6. The skin of the fruit of most varieties is quite thin, it can be cut off with a knife without much difficulty.

The benefits and harms of nutmeg pumpkin

The nutritional value of nutmeg pumpkin of any variety is an order of magnitude higher than that of other types. In particular, it is worth noting the high content of carotene in the pulp of ripened fruits of the crop - the percentage of vitamin in nutmeg pumpkin is even higher than in carrots. In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins K, C, E, micro- and macroelements, as well as fiber. It is this vitamin composition that is responsible for the beneficial properties of nutmeg pumpkin:

• Regular consumption of vegetables helps improve vision;
• aging processes slow down;
• blood vessels are strengthened;
• blood composition improves;
• the components contained in pumpkin stimulate the removal of toxins from the body;
• immunity is strengthened.

The calorie content of this crop is 45 kcal per 100 g. This is a fairly low figure, so the vegetable is included in many diets and is recommended for consumption in cases of obesity.

Despite the fact that nutmeg pumpkin is an extremely healthy vegetable, it also has a number of contraindications for consumption. In particular, it is not recommended to introduce the product into the diet of persons with the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• stomach ulcer;
• duodenal ulcer;
• pancreatitis;
• bilirubin;
• cholecystitis.

The basis of such restrictions is the high sugar content of nutmeg pumpkin fruits.

Popular varieties of butternut squash

Butternut pumpkin is represented by a large number of varieties and hybrid forms, intended for different growing zones and differing in terms of fruit ripening. In addition, depending on the variety, the area of ​​​​use of the crop in cooking varies.

Below are photos and a brief description of the most popular varieties of butternut squash.

Family

The Family variety is a late-ripening pumpkin with consistently high yield. A distinctive feature of the variety is its large size - under favorable conditions, the pumpkin grows up to 1 m in length. The weight of the fruit is on average 30-35 kg.

The vegetable has an elongated cylindrical shape. The surface of the ripe fruit is dark green in color, the peel is covered with wax. The pulp is juicy and crispy. The scope of application of the fruit is universal: nutmeg pumpkin of the Family variety can be used for making baked goods, soups, juices, etc.

In reviews of the family nutmeg pumpkin, the small size of the seed chamber is specifically noted, as can be seen in the photo below. Most of the fruit is represented by pulp.

Guitar

Muscat pumpkin Guitar is a highly light variety; the vegetable ripens in the shape of a guitar, reminiscent of a large zucchini. The weight of ripe fruits is 3-4 kg. Reviews note that the taste of the Guitar variety of nutmeg pumpkin is in many ways reminiscent of apricots or carrots.

Grand slam

Grand Slam nutmeg pumpkin is a variety for table and dietary purposes. The variety is mid-late, drought-resistant and medium-climbing. On each shoot, an average of 2-4 flattened fruits ripen. A distinctive external feature of the variety is its ribbed, segmented surface. The peel is leathery, covered with wax. The color of the pumpkin is dark green with a brownish tint. The flesh is reddish-orange and very sweet.

The weight of a ripe fruit can reach 5 kg. The advantages of the variety include good keeping quality - the harvested crop does not deteriorate during transportation and retains all its useful qualities well for about six months.

Arabatskaya

Arabat nutmeg pumpkin is a late-ripening, high-yielding variety that is resistant to long periods of drought. A distinctive feature of the variety is its immunity to many diseases typical of melons.

The average weight of ripe fruits varies from 5.5 to 8 kg; the length of the fruits of the variety can reach 50 cm. The shape of the fruits is elongated, with a thickening at one end. The pumpkin skin is thin and smooth. As the variety matures, it acquires a rich yellow color, close to orange. The pulp is reddish-orange, crispy, juicy. The majority of the fruit is pulp; the seeds are densely concentrated at one end.

Prikubanskaya

Muscat pumpkin Prikubanskaya is a mid-season variety with consistently high productivity. The length of the lash under favorable growing conditions can reach 4 m, the weight of the fruit varies from 2 to 3.5 kg. The peel of the variety is quite thin, the flesh is creamy.The advantages of the species include good keeping quality - the fruits retain an attractive presentation and taste for 2-4 months after harvest.

The shape of ripened fruits is elongated with a widening at the end. The surface of the vegetable of this variety is smooth to the touch, the color of the ripened fruits is orange and brown.

The variety tolerates transportation well over long distances and does not lose its presentation for a long time.

Nectar

Nutmeg pumpkin Nectar is a variety with a pleasant rich aroma, as emphasized in the reviews. The weight of the Nectar pumpkin fruit reaches 5-6 kg, the surface of the ripe vegetable is ribbed. The fruits are painted in a rich orange color, the pulp of the variety is characterized by a small number of seeds.

The scope of application of the Nectar variety is universal, but most often the harvested crop is used for the production of juices and baby food.

Neapolitan nutmeg

Neapolitan nutmeg pumpkin is a large-fruited late-ripening variety of universal use that can grow up to 80 cm in length. The average weight of a pumpkin is 18-20 kg, in favorable conditions - 25 kg. The flesh of this pumpkin has an intense red-brown color.

The fruits are smooth to the touch, with faint segments visible on the surface. In appearance, Neapolitan nutmeg resembles a cylinder with thickenings at the ends.

The skin is thin, greenish-brown. The harvest is stored without loss of taste for 6 months to 1 year.

Matilda

Muscat pumpkin Matilda is a high-yielding hybrid with large ribbed fruits. The variety is distinguished by the small size of the seed chamber and the rich honey aroma of the pulp. The weight of ripe fruits is about 3 kg, sometimes they grow up to 5 kg. After frying, the pulp of the Matilda variety acquires a pronounced nutty flavor.

The keeping quality of the product is good, as is its transportability.

Gorgeous

Butternut squash Beauty is a long-climbing variety of early ripening. The pulp of the fruit is used to prepare sweet pastries, cereals and soups.

The shape of the fruit is round. The surface of the variety is red-orange, segmented. The average fruit weight is 4 kg, however, under favorable growing conditions this figure can increase to 6 kg.

The pulp of the Krasavitsa variety is bright orange, juicy, and tender.

Lola

Butternut pumpkin Lola is a variety with long shoots that can reach 3 m in length. Ripe fruits have an elongated pear shape, the color of the peel is orange. The pumpkin grows up to 40 cm in length.

The vegetable of this variety is mainly used in the production of baby food, however, in general, the area of ​​application of the fruit is universal.

Pear-shaped

As the name suggests, the butternut squash actually resembles a pear in appearance. The peel of ripe fruits is yellow, close to orange, however, during breeding work, two-color subspecies were also bred.

The taste is standard for the nutmeg variety - the fruit pulp is sugary and juicy in consistency.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg pumpkin is a variety with an unusual taste of pulp. According to gardeners, it is sweet, with a nutty aftertaste, which formed the basis for the name of the variety.

The peel of ripe fruits is thin, painted bright red. The average weight of a ripened pumpkin is 1.5 kg. Each lash produces 4 to 6 fruits.

The variety is early ripening, the pumpkin fully ripens in 95 days. The keeping quality of the harvested crop is good, the fruits do not lose their quality for several months.

Barbara F1

Barbara F1 is a hybrid of nutmeg pumpkin, which is characterized by consistently high yields, regardless of growing conditions. The variety's vegetables ripen well in all regions of Russia, but in the north it is better to plant them in a greenhouse. The plant's lash is powerful, the hybrid practically does not get sick. Barbara F1 ripens 55-60 days after the appearance of the first shoots.

The shape of the fruit is oblong, widened at one end. The skin of the variety is orange-green, striped. With good care, the weight of the fruit can reach 2-3 kg, the average weight is 1 kg. The pulp is orange when cut.

The advantages of this variety include good shelf life and transportability.

New

The new product is a mid-season variety; the crop ripens completely in 110-115 days. The shape of the fruit resembles a cylinder with a slight thickening at the end. A ripe pumpkin can weigh 5-6 kg, sometimes there are specimens weighing 8 kg.

The pumpkin skin is thin, the flesh is tender and juicy, moderately sweet. Among other varieties, Novinka nutmeg pumpkin is distinguished by good resistance to drought.

Pluto

Pluto is a powerful climbing hybrid, highly resistant to stress. Vegetables of this variety set fruit well even under relatively unfavorable weather conditions.

The color of the peel is yellowish-ochre, the flesh is bright orange. The seeds are concentrated at the wide end of the fruit.

In terms of size, Pluto is classified as a portioned variety - the weight of its fruit does not exceed 1.5 kg.

Vitamin

Vitaminnaya pumpkin, among other nutmeg varieties, is distinguished by a high concentration of carotene - the vitamin content in the fruit pulp reaches 16%. Ripe fruits weigh on average 5-7 kg. The yield of the variety is excellent, but the harvest takes a long time to ripen - the variety is classified as a late variety, the pumpkin reaches ripeness only after 125-130 days.

Muscat de Provence

Muscat de Provence is a nutmeg pumpkin of French origin, a high-yielding variety that fully ripens in 4 months. The fruits of the variety are stored for 3-4 months and tolerate transportation well. The main advantage of the variety is that it is practically not affected by diseases.

Pearl

Pearl is a variety whose shape resembles a long pear. The pumpkin pulp is juicy and very sweet. The weight of a ripe fruit reaches 5 kg; from the inside it is almost completely filled with dense, sweet pulp.

Trombone

Trombone butternut squash is a variety with a non-standard fruit shape. They are long and intricately twisted. In appearance they really resemble a trombone.

According to reviews, this is a very tasty variety. The pulp of the variety is orange, dense in consistency and very aromatic. The seed nest is small. The fruit can be stored for more than a year without loss of quality.

The bark is very dense. The average fruit weight of the Trombone variety varies from 5.5 to 8 kg.

Butternut (Nut)

Butternut (also Nut pumpkin, Squash) is a variety that has fruits of an elongated cylindrical shape. The color of the pulp is orange, the peel has a pale yellow color, approaching orange. The structure of the pulp is fibrous, it tastes sweet and juicy.

Miracle Yudo

Muscat pumpkin Miracle Yudo is an oval-shaped variety with a slightly segmented surface. The weight of ripened fruits can reach 8 kg.

The peel is dark green, but there are light spots on the surface. A thin coating is felt on the skin. The pulp is orange, close to red.

According to numerous reviews, the Chudo-Yudo nutmeg pumpkin exudes a rich nutmeg aroma when cut. They also note the harmonious taste of the fruits of this variety, which cannot be called either cloyingly sweet or insipid.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is an early-ripening variety with fruits that resemble a pear in appearance. The weight of a ripe pumpkin with good care can reach 3.5-4 kg.

The pulp of the Peanut Butter variety is creamy and has a dense consistency. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sugary. Vegetables of this variety are shelf-stable, tolerate long-distance transportation well, and retain their quality for a long time.

Bylinka

Bylinka is a mid-season variety with a flattened fruit shape. The vegetable is distinguished by its high skin density and light gray color. The weight of ripened fruits varies from 3 to 4.5 kg. The pulp of the fruit of the Bylinka variety has a bright orange color, the texture is delicate, fibrous. It tastes moderately sugary without a cloying aftertaste.

The key characteristic of Bylinka nutmeg pumpkin is its long shelf life. The harvested crop perfectly retains its attractive appearance and taste until the next season. The variety is also resistant to external influences and temperature changes.

Russian

Rossiyanka is an early ripening variety with high yields. Under favorable conditions, 15 to 20 kg of crop is harvested from one plant. This variety of nutmeg pumpkin has proven itself well when grown in the Urals, and the variety is also suitable for planting the crop in the Moscow region.

Growing butternut squash in open ground

Caring for nutmeg pumpkin, as a rule, does not cause much difficulty, although this crop is considered more demanding of heat than other types. It can be grown through seedlings, but it is also possible to sow the seeds directly into open ground. The second option is preferable only in the south of the country; in other regions the crop is grown under cover or using seedlings.

Site selection and preparation

When choosing a place for planting, it is better to choose open, bright areas that are well protected from drafts. The crop bears fruit best on light loamy soils, but also develops well on other types of soil. If desired, you can dig up the selected area in the fall and fertilize it with a mixture of superphosphate and rotted manure.

Preparation of planting material

Preparing butternut squash seeds involves soaking them in hot water (about 50°C) for 1-2 hours. They are then wrapped in damp cloth until they peck.

Landing Features

The approximate time for sowing seeds for seedlings is the last days of April, but depending on the variety and climatic conditions, the dates may vary. Grow seedlings indoors at a temperature not lower than 22°C. Caring for seedlings involves moderate watering, fertilizing with complex fertilizer (2 times) and hardening. Seedlings can be transplanted into open ground when they have 2-4 leaves. By this time the earth should warm up properly, at least to 10-12°C, which is on average at the end of May.

The recommended planting pattern is 60 by 60 cm. The depth of the hole must be at least 10 cm. Each of them must be filled with water before planting. When she leaves, the seedlings are placed in the holes, dug in and lightly pressed down on the ground.

Aftercare

Further care is as follows:

1. It is necessary to regularly weed the plantings and loosen the soil around the plants.
2. Despite the fact that most butternut squash varieties are quite drought-resistant, it is recommended to water the beds in a timely manner. In this case, they focus on the condition of the soil - it should not crack. Before the ovaries form, pumpkins are watered on average once a week, then the frequency of watering is increased to 2 times a week, and only warm, settled water can be used.
3. Pumpkin develops well even without fertilizing, but to get a good harvest, it is advisable to feed the plantings at least 2-3 times. 10-14 days after planting, the plants are fertilized with mullein infusion in a ratio of 1:10. During the flowering period, complex fertilizers and wood ash are suitable.
4. Nutmeg pumpkin forms a large number of ovaries, however, it is not able to provide them with sufficient nutrition. If you do not trim off excess shoots, the plant produces many small fruits. To prevent the harvest from becoming smaller, it is recommended to form a crop of 2-4 fruits.

Diseases and pests

The most common butternut squash diseases include:

1. Anthracnose. The first sign of the disease is that the fruits and stems of the plant become covered with brown spots. If nothing is done, the pumpkin will begin to crumble and dry out. Plantings are treated against anthracnose with a solution of Bordeaux mixture.
2. Bacteriosis. Appears as dark green spots. Then the pumpkin leaves begin to dry out and the fruits become deformed. Treat plantings with a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture. Affected areas of the plant must be cut off.
3. Root rot - a disease that first affects the underground part of the plant, causing cracking of the roots. Then the fruit stops growing, and the leaves turn yellow and dry out.Plants are treated with Fundazol and Previkur. Wood ash has proven itself well in the fight against root rot.

Of the pests, butternut squash is most often damaged by the following insects:

• spider mite;
• melon aphid;
• slugs

Against aphids and spider mites, the beds are treated with “Karbofos” and an infusion of onion peels. In order to repel slugs, plants are sprinkled with ash and sprayed with garlic infusion. “Groza” copes well with slugs.

Prevention of diseases and pests implies compliance with the following rules of agricultural technology:

• Under no circumstances should plants be flooded during watering;
• it is important to adhere to crop rotation;
• planting varieties are planted according to the recommended scheme;
• It is advisable to weed out weeds from time to time;
• plants must be regularly inspected for diseases and pests;
• It is better to place crops with other typical diseases next to pumpkins.

Harvest and storage

The exact timing of harvest depends on the variety of butternut squash, but in general it is better not to delay this process. Since this crop is quite heat-loving, it is necessary to remove the fruits before the first frost. Even the slightest cold snap can almost completely destroy the harvest of some varieties that are especially sensitive to heat.

When collecting ripened fruits, the following rules are followed:

• the pumpkin is not picked by hand, but cut with a knife or pruning shears;
• It is advisable to carry out collection in dry, cloudless weather;
• When cutting fruits, you should not touch the peel, as an infection can penetrate through the cut and subsequently spread to other pumpkins.

The harvested crop is placed in a room at room temperature, but it is better to move the fruit to the cellar, where it is dark and cool.The optimal temperature for long-term storage is 12°C.

Conclusion

Butternut squash has received favorable reviews from gardeners for its versatility in the use of its fruit; however, this crop is best suited for making desserts. The variety is distinguished by its sweetness, so nutmeg pumpkin is most often added to baked goods, baby food and sweet cereals.

You can learn more about the features of nutmeg pumpkin from the video below:

Reviews of butternut squash

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