One of the most popular varieties of winter squash the green buttercup, botanically known as Cucurbita maxima is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. The green buttercup squash has long been touted as one of the most superiorly flavored and textured winter squash varieties on the market.

Round and squat in shape, the skin of green buttercup squash is spotted and flecked with light green to gray markings. Ranging from 4 to 8 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches tall, narrow stripes run down its bulky sides. Its skin is green, with a characteristic turban-like cap on its blossom end that grows in size as the squash matures. The cap is also a good indicator of age; when mature and ready to harvest the cap will be firm, over age squashes will develop a soft cap. Weighing three to five pounds, the dry, smooth textured, deep-orange flesh of the green buttercup squash offers a sweet and mild flavor, similar to that of a sweet potato.

Nutritional Value

Green buttercup squash is rich in vitamin A, specifically beta carotene which has been shown to be beneficial in preventing certain types of cancer and in supporting healthy vision. They also contain dietary fiber as well as some vitamin C.

Serving Ideas

The versatile green buttercup squash may be baked, steamed or roasted. Cooked flesh can be pureed and used as a filling for pies and ravioli or added to soups, risottos, sauces and curries. Peel and cube squash and add to chili, enchiladas, atop pizza or in pasta preparations. Halved they can be stuffed and baked with both sweet and savory filings. Having a taste a texture similar to that of sweet potato it can be used in lieu of the popular potato in recipes where it is called for. When cooked its sweet flesh will marry well with hard cheeses, nuts, brown sugar, ground beef, lentils, cinnamon, nutmeg and fresh herbs such as sage, cilantro, chives and parsley.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Green buttercup squash was one of five squashes out of 134 different cultivators given the mark of excellence by authors of the 1937 book, “The Vegetables of New York”.

Geography/History

What was to become the first buttercup squash was discovered in 1925 as a chance seedling in a growth area of Quality squash at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station. Believed to be a cross between a Quality and Essex variety squash this “buttercup formation” was found by Dr. Albert F. Yeager. Its seeds were saved and replanted and went through years of selection and self-pollination until it was released in 1931 under the buttercup name. Dr. Yeager specifically bread the squash to be a substitute for the sweet potato which had proved to be difficult to grow in the Northern Great Plains. One of the most extensively tested squashes in US History, before it was released thorough examinations were done by North Dakota College to test the squashes flavor, texture, color, sugar levels and dry matter content.

Seasons/Availability

Green buttercup squash is available in the fall season.