We have had our first hard frost of the season. And, that means all of our winter squash have been picked and stored.
The only winter sqaush we grew this year were Butternut squash. I planted two hills, and I think there were 6 plants. We did have some volunteer Pink Banana sqaush. They were not able to mature fully, thanks to squash beetles killing their vines. So, they had to be eaten in short order instead of being stored through the winter.
I think Butternut squash are the best! Grant it, I have not tasted every variety of winter sqaush. :) Of the winter squash I have eaten, which includes Acorn, Burgess Buttercup, Hubbard, Pink Banana, and Pumpkin, I prefer Butternut.
Generally, Butternut squash is a great keeper. In proper conditions it can be stored all winter. This year I had several specimens that had to be cooked right away because of blemishes and flaws that would cause them to rot if stored.
I have found that I really like the flesh to be pureed. After I bake up several squash, I scoop out the flesh. At this point I can just put it into a large bowl and refrigerate it if I don't have time to blend it and bag it. The next step is to run it through the food processor in batches. And then it can be put in plastic bags and frozen for long term storage. I like to measure it and make sure I have 2 cups of pulp in each bag. That makes it nice in the future if I want to be able to use a bag to make "Pumpkin" bread or cake or something. So far, I have 14 bags of Butternut squash in the freezer. There are still 12 uncooked squash in the basement.
Do you have a favorite sqaush? Or squash recipe? I'd love to hear about it in the comments section! :)
Proverbs 20:4
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Wow! That's wonderful you had such a good harvest! I'm a little bit jealous. :) Ours didn't do well at all this year. Butternut squash is definitely my favorite of the squash varieties I've tried as well, so it was disappointing to only get a few small ones! We still buy some from the store occasionally, though. :) I'm glad you will get to enjoy it for quite awhile with as many as you harvested!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting, Sunshine Country.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad! I am sorry to hear about the poor harvest. As one gardener to another, I understand how disappointing it can be to put so much care, time, and thought into your plants only to see them dwindle. :(
I hope you have better success next year! :)
I enjoy squash whenever we have it. I've not tried many verities though. Someday I want to try gardening again and grow some! Maybe this next spring I will find the energy and extra time. :) That's nice you got such a good harvest!
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