Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has a sweet, nutty taste similar to a pumpkin. It has a bulbous shape with a long, narrow neck, enveloped by a tough, cream-colored skin that protects the vibrant, deep-orange flesh inside. Typically weighing between two to five pounds, butternut squash comes with a small cavity filled with large, edible, cream-covered seeds. When cooked, the texture becomes tender and slightly buttery, offering a rich, sumptuously sweet flavor profile that melds perfectly into a variety of dishes. This versatile ingredient is the star of many recipes, from creamy soups and casseroles to hearty salads and savory pies. Butternut squash also brims with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, fiber, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Butternut squash can typically be found in the produce section of a grocery store. They are often located near other types of squash and pumpkins. If you can't find it, ask a store employee for help.