Ten fun facts about Butternut Squash

Fact 1
The butternut squash is interchangeable with the pumpkin in Australia, causing them to call it the butternut pumpkin.

Fact 2
When planting butternut squash, it is important to have a large area for cultivation, as the seeds can send out vines up to 15 feet long.

Fact 3
Though it may not taste good, the skin of the squash is edible! The seeds are as well and are best roasted.

Fact 4
Eating butternut squash can improve lung health and studies have shown decreased incidents of lung cancer.

Fact 5
This vegetable is often used as one of the first foods for babies, since they are tolerated by children because of the taste.

Fact 6
The butternut squash may be high in carbohydrates but studies have shown that since not all starches are the same, this vegetable brings a lot of key nutrients.

Fact 7
It grows on a vine and when the vegetable turns to a deep orange, it becomes sweeter, richer and more ripe.

Fact 8
They are often regarded as the winter squash, but are never grown in the winter. They are picked in the fall.

Fact 9
This particular variety of squash was developed at the Waltham Experiment Station in Massachusetts.

Fact 10
Consuming a small cup of butternut squash can provide an ample amount of Vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune functions.