Everything you Need to Know About Honeynut Squash
It may only be the week after Labor Day, but fall is already here. Kids are back at school, the weather is cooking, and fall varieties are coming into season. But just because the weather is cooling doesn’t mean we’re leaving the local season behind us. Despite being called winter squash, hard squashes rise in popularity in the fall due to their ability to pair in comfort dishes. There’s one in particular, that encompasses both the sweet flavor of local summer and the warming flavor of the fall: honeynut.
What is Honeynut Squash?
Honeynut squash is a relatively new cultivar of squash developed by Cornell University in partnership with Stone Barns’ center for Food and Agriculture. Honeynut is the perfect example of ‘bigger isn’t always better.’ The variety is a cross between a butternut and buttercup squash but only weighs about 1 to 1.5 pounds. Plus, each honeynut is only about 4 to 5 inches in length. It’s a petite squash, perfect for single serve portioning, with dense deep-orange flesh.
What is the difference between Honeynut and Butternut Squash?
Honeynut and butternut squash are very similar in appearance. At first glance, honeynut looks like a small unripe version of butternut squash. Both have a similar oblong shape – with a thick neck and a bulge on the blossom end where the seed cavity forms. The most distinct difference is size. When fully ripe, honeynut is only about half the size of butternut.
What does Honeynut Squash Taste Like?
Honeynut squash has a sweet butternutt-y flavor with hints of honey and pumpkin. It has the ability to naturally caramelize and becomes sweeter once cooked.
How to Store Honeynut Squash
Depending on conditions at harvest, honeynut squash can last up to 1-3 months after distribution with proper storage. All hard squash varieties should be stored at temperatures ranging from 50-55°F. Storing below 50°F can cause chilling injury, which leads to pitting and decay.
Professional Uses of Honeynut Squash
If you are looking for a sweet and easy to manage squash, look for honeynut. Its small size makes it loved by chefs because it’s both easy to manage and quick to cook. Honeynut squash is sweeter and richer than butternut squash and is perfect for single servings. A popular way to prepare honeynut is by cutting the entire squash in half and filling the cavity with one’s desired filling, like this sausage and apple stuffed honeynut squash. Overall, honeynut is best for roasting, baking, boiling, and sautéing and can be used in place of butternut squash in most recipes.
