Let's Talk About Butternut Squash...

I'll be honest - I'm not a fan of trying vegetables or fruits before exploring and discovering its background. Allowing my taste buds to try something new comes from my comfortability of knowing the foods I garden and cook will improve my overall health.

Butternut squash falls under this thought process for me.

Growing up, my mother didn't cook butternut squash. However, she would fry yellow squash because my father loved the dish.

I had no idea what yellow squash was, so it was a pass for me.

As I've gotten older, I began creating recipes and trying new vegetables. One day, I stumbled on butternut squash. For me, I was surprised to discover butternut squash because I've only known yellow squash from when my family uses to occasionally request it at the dinner table.

Knowing myself, I wanted to know more about butternut squash and what the vegetable brought to the table.

Butternut squash is considered to be a starchy vegetable.

The cold weather superfood has a bell-shaped bottom and grows on a vine. The vegetable is yellow-orange in color containing a harder outer skin. The inner side of butternut squash has an inner orange flesh with seeds.

The benefits of the antioxidants found in butternut squash are ASTOUNDING.

Researchers discovered vegetables to be essentially packed with vitamins and minerals can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and protects against cardiovascular issues.

A study of 2,450 participants who consumed an additional serving of butternut squash showed the risk of heart disease has was reduced by 23%.

A review of 18 studies showed participants who consumed butternut squash lowered the risks of lung cancer by 24%.

The carotenoid antioxidants found in butternut squash help reduce the risks of cancers.

Plant compounds, like zeaxanthin and lutein, found in butternut squash can help promote good eye health and improve cell renewals.

Polyphenolic compounds in butternut squash contain anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenolic compounds to be found in the known vegan protein help reduce heart disease and hypertension.

Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene found in butternut squash combats against cell damage, inflammation, and prevent infections, to name a few. Vitamin A helps the growth of bodily tissues especially skin and hair. Vitamin also combats neurodegenerative diseases and extreme levels of oxidative stress.

Butternut squash is also a great source of vitamin B-6, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and manganese.

The fat-free vegetable is considered to be a high-carb food.

Interestingly enough, butternut squash is a low-glycemic index vegetable upon boiling.

I've found the winter squash pairs well with corn and beans. I like to enjoy this occasional meal with a cold glass of Riesling.

While learning how to create food recipes with butternut squash, I've learned a few tips on how to properly store cholesterol-free vegetables.

I've enjoyed the earthly-toned flavor of butternut squash roasted, halved and grilled, pureed, and steamed. Depending on my taste buds, I like to add a few dashes of Stella Bistro Foods Universalt and Stella Bistro Foods Autumn Flair Sultry Spice.

Stella Bistro Foods Universalt Sultry Spice allows the earthly taste to take the front seat on my taste buds as the hint of garlic and kosher salt enhances the vegetables' natural flavor.

During the holidays, I like to spice my [baked and] roasted butternut squash with warm spice notes of Stella Bistro Foods Autumn Flair Sultry Spice. For deeper flavor, I add a couple of sprinkles of Stella Bistro Foods Chai Sultry Spice.

Don't refrigerate your butternut squash! Be sure to store your winter squash in a cool and dark place. You can store your butternut squash in your kitchen pantry for up to thirty days.

How do you prefer your butternut squash?

Let's talk below!