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Butternut squash is a herbaceous plant of the gourd family native to Mexico. This is an annual creeping plant, which, among other types of pumpkins, is distinguished by a particularly sweet taste of the pulp and a rich vitamin composition. In addition, the product is considered to be dietary due to its low calorie content, which is why nutmeg pumpkin is often included in the daily diet for weight loss.
General description of butternut squash
This vegetable crop got its name for the specific nutmeg smell that appears when the fruit is cut. The shape and color of ripened fruits can vary greatly depending on the variety of butternut squash, as you can see in the photo below, however, some common features can be distinguished:
- The weight of a nutmeg pumpkin varies on average from 1 to 10 kg, sometimes among large-fruited varieties there are specimens of 25-30 kg.
- The peduncle of the species has 5 faces.
- The pulp of the vegetable is quite dense, there are practically no hollow places in its structure. It is juicy and fibrous in texture.
- Pumpkin seeds are located in one place, making it convenient to cut the fruit.
- Butternut squash is distinguished from other species by the sweet taste of the pulp.
- The skin of the fruit in most varieties is quite thin, it can be cut with a knife without much difficulty.
The benefits and harms of nutmeg pumpkin
The nutritional value of butternut squash of any variety is an order of magnitude higher than that of other species. In particular, it is worth noting the high content of carotene in the pulp of ripe fruits of the culture – the percentage of vitamin in nutmeg pumpkin is even higher than in carrots. In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins K, C, E, micro and macro elements, as well as fiber. It is this vitamin composition that determines the beneficial properties of nutmeg pumpkin:
- regular consumption of vegetables in food improves vision;
- slow down the aging process;
- there is a strengthening of blood vessels;
- improves blood composition;
- the components contained in the pumpkin stimulate the removal of toxins from the body;
- immunity is strengthened.
The calorie content of this crop is 45 kcal per 100 g. This is a fairly low figure, so the vegetable is part of many diets and is recommended for eating with obesity.
Despite the fact that nutmeg is an extremely healthy vegetable crop, it also has a number of contraindications for eating. In particular, it is not recommended to introduce the product into the diet of people with the following diseases:
- diabetes;
- stomach ulcer;
- duodenal ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- bilirubin;
- cholecystitis.
The basis of such restrictions is the high sugar content of the fruits of nutmeg pumpkin.
Popular varieties of nutmeg pumpkin
Butternut squash is represented by a large number of varieties and hybrid forms intended for different growing areas and differing in fruit ripening time. In addition, depending on the variety, the scope of the culture in cooking varies.
Below are photos and a brief description of the most popular varieties of nutmeg pumpkin.
Family
Variety Semeynaya is a late-ripening pumpkin with a consistently high yield. A distinctive feature of the variety is its large size – under favorable conditions, the pumpkin grows up to 1 m in length. Fruit weight averages 30-35 kg.
The vegetable has an elongated cylindrical shape. The surface of the ripe fruit has a dark green color, the peel is covered with wax. The pulp is juicy, crispy. The scope of the fruit is universal: nutmeg pumpkin of the Family variety can be used for baking, soups, juices, etc.
In the reviews for the nutmeg pumpkin of the Semeynaya variety, the small size of the seed chamber is separately noted, as can be seen in the photo below. Most of the fruit is represented by pulp.
Guitar
Pumpkin Muscat Guitar – a variety of high lightness, the vegetable ripens in the shape of a guitar, while resembling a large zucchini. The mass of ripe fruits is 3-4 kg. The reviews note that the taste of the Muscat pumpkin variety Guitar is in many ways reminiscent of apricots or carrots.
Grand slam
Pumpkin Muscat Grand Slam – a variety of table and dietary purposes. The variety is medium-late, drought-resistant and medium climbing. On each shoot, an average of 2-4 fruits of a flattened shape ripen. A distinctive external feature of the variety is a ribbed segmented surface. The peel is leathery, covered with wax. The color of the pumpkin is dark green with a brownish tint. The flesh is reddish-orange, very sweet.
The mass of the ripe fruit can reach 5 kg. The advantages of the variety include good keeping quality – the harvested crop does not deteriorate during transportation and retains all its useful qualities well for about six months.
Arabatskaya
Muscat pumpkin Arabatskaya is a late-ripening, high-yielding variety that is resistant to long periods of drought. A distinctive feature of the variety is immunity to many diseases typical of gourds.
The average weight of ripe fruits varies from 5,5 to 8 kg, the fruits of the variety can reach 50 cm in length. The fruits are elongated in shape, with a thickening at one end. Pumpkin skin is thin and smooth. As it matures, the culture of the variety acquires a rich yellow color, close to orange. The flesh is reddish-orange, crispy, juicy. A large proportion of the fruit is precisely the pulp, the seeds are densely concentrated at one end.
Prikubanskaya
Muscat pumpkin Prikubanskaya is a mid-season variety with a consistently high yield. The length of the whip under favorable growing conditions can reach 4 m, the weight of the fetus varies from 2 to 3,5 kg. The peel of the culture of the variety is quite thin, the flesh is creamy. The advantages of the species include good keeping quality – the fruits retain an attractive presentation and taste for 2-4 months after harvest.
The shape of ripe fruits is elongated with an extension at the end. The surface of the vegetable of this variety is smooth to the touch, the color of ripe fruits is orange with brown.
The grade well transfers transportation on long distances and does not lose a trade dress for a long time.
Nectar
Muscat pumpkin Nectar is a variety with a pleasant rich aroma, as emphasized in the reviews. The weight of Nectar pumpkin fruits reaches 5-6 kg, the surface of a ripe vegetable is ribbed. The fruits are painted in a rich orange color, the pulp of the variety is characterized by a small number of seeds.
The scope of the Nectar variety is universal, but most often the harvested crop is spent on the production of juices and baby food.
Neapolitan Muscat
Pumpkin Neapolitan Muscat is a large-fruited late-ripening variety of universal purpose that can grow up to 80 cm in length. The average weight of a pumpkin is 18-20 kg, in favorable conditions – 25 kg. The flesh of this pumpkin has an intense red-brown color.
The fruits are smooth to the touch, slightly pronounced segments are visible on the surface. In appearance, the Neapolitan Muscat resembles a cylinder with bulges at the ends.
The skin is thin, greenish-brown. Harvest is stored without loss of taste from 6 months to 1 year.
Matilda
Muscat pumpkin Matilda is a high-yielding hybrid with large ribbed fruits. The variety is distinguished by the small size of the seed chamber and the rich honey aroma of the pulp. The mass of ripe fruits is about 3 kg, sometimes they grow up to 5 kg. After frying, the pulp of the Matilda variety acquires a pronounced nutty flavor.
The keeping quality of the species is good, as is the transportability.
Beauty
Muscat pumpkin Beauty is a long-branched variety of early ripening. The pulp of the fruit is used to make sweet pastries, cereals and soups.
Fruit shape is round. The surface of the variety is red-orange, segmented. The average fruit weight is 4 kg, however, in favorable growing conditions, this figure can increase to 6 kg.
The pulp of the Beauty variety is bright orange, juicy, tender.
Lola
Muscat pumpkin Lola is a variety with long shoots that can reach 3 m in length. Ripe fruits have an elongated pear-shaped shape, the color of the peel is orange. In length, the pumpkin grows up to 40 cm.
A vegetable of this variety is mainly used in the production of baby food, however, in general, the scope of the fruit is universal.
Pear-shaped
As the name implies, the pear-shaped nutmeg pumpkin really resembles a pear in its appearance. The peel of ripe fruits is yellow, close to orange, however, in the course of breeding work, two-color subspecies were also bred.
Taste qualities are standard for a nutmeg species – the pulp of the fruit is sugary and juicy in texture.
Nutmeg
Pumpkin Nutmeg – a variety with an unusual taste of pulp. According to gardeners, it is sweet, with a nutty aftertaste, which formed the basis for the name of the variety.
The peel of ripe fruits is thin, painted in bright red. The average weight of a ripe pumpkin is 1,5 kg. Each whip forms from 4 to 6 fruits.
The variety is early ripe, the pumpkin fully ripens in 95 days. The keeping quality of the harvested crop is good, the fruits do not lose their qualities for several months.
Barbara F1
Barbara F1 is a hybrid of nutmeg pumpkin, which is characterized by consistently high yields, independent of growing conditions. Vegetables of the variety ripen well in all regions of Our Country, but in the north it is better to plant them in a greenhouse. The lash of the plant is powerful, the hybrid practically does not get sick. Barbara F1 ripens 55-60 days after the first shoots appear.
The shape of the fruit is oblong, expanded at one end. The skin of the variety is orange-green, striped. With good care, the weight of the fruit can reach 2-3 kg, the average weight is 1 kg. The flesh on the cut has an orange color.
The advantages of the variety include good keeping quality and transportability.
New
The novelty is a mid-season variety, the culture fully matures in 110-115 days. The shape of the fruit resembles a cylinder with a slight thickening at the end. A ripe pumpkin can weigh 5-6 kg, sometimes there are instances of 8 kg.
The skin of the pumpkin is thin, the flesh is tender and juicy, moderately sweet. Among other varieties, nutmeg pumpkin Novinka is distinguished by good resistance to drought.
Pluto
Pluto is a powerful climbing hybrid, highly resistant to stress. Vegetables of the variety set fruit well even under relatively unfavorable weather conditions.
The color of the peel is yellowish-ocher, the flesh is bright orange. Seeds are concentrated at the wide end of the fruit.
In terms of size, Pluto is classified as a portioned variety – the weight of its fruits does not exceed 1,5 kg.
Vitamin
Pumpkin Vitaminnaya among other nutmeg varieties is distinguished by a high concentration of carotene – the vitamin content in the fruit pulp reaches 16%. Ripened fruits weigh an average of 5-7 kg. The yield of the variety is excellent, but the crop ripens for a long time – the variety is classified as late, the pumpkin reaches ripeness only after 125-130 days.
Muscat de Provence
Muscat de Provence – Muscat pumpkin of French origin, high-yielding variety, fully ripens in 4 months. The fruits of the variety are stored for 3-4 months and perfectly tolerate transportation. The main advantage of the variety is that it is practically not affected by diseases.
Pearl
Pearl – a variety that in its shape resembles a long pear. Pumpkin pulp is juicy and very sweet. The mass of a ripe fruit reaches 5 kg, from the inside it is almost completely filled with dense, sweet pulp.
Trombone
Muscat pumpkin Trombone is a variety with a non-standard fruit shape. They are long and bizarrely twisted. In appearance, they really resemble a trombone.
According to reviews, this is a very tasty variety. The pulp of the variety is orange, dense in texture and very fragrant. The seed nest is small. The fruit can be stored for more than a year without loss of quality.
The bark is very dense. The average fruit weight of the Trombone variety varies from 5,5 to 8 kg.
Butternut (Walnut)
Butternut (also Walnut pumpkin, Squash) is a variety that has elongated cylindrical fruits. The color of the pulp is orange, the peel has a pale yellow color, approaching orange. The structure of the pulp is fibrous, it tastes sweet and juicy.
Chudo-Yudo
Muscat pumpkin Chudo-Yudo is an oval-shaped variety with a slightly segmented surface. The weight of ripe fruits can reach 8 kg.
The peel is dark green, but there are light spots on the surface. There is a thin coating on the skin. The flesh is orange, close to red.
According to numerous reviews, the Muscat pumpkin Chudo-Yudo, when cut, exudes a rich nutmeg aroma. They also note the harmonious taste of the fruits of this variety, which can not be called either sugary-sweet or insipid.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is an early ripe variety with pear-like fruits. The mass of a ripe pumpkin with good care can reach 3,5-4 kg.
The pulp of the variety Peanut butter is creamy, of a dense consistency. The taste of fruits is sweet, sugary. Vegetables of this variety are long-lived, tolerate long-distance transportation well, retain their qualities for a long time.
Bylinka
Bylinka is a mid-season variety with a flattened fruit shape. The vegetable is distinguished by a high skin density and a light gray color. The weight of ripe fruits varies from 3 to 4,5 kg. The flesh of the fruit of the Bylinka variety has a bright orange color, the texture is delicate, fibrous. It tastes moderately sugary without a sugary aftertaste.
The key characteristic of Muscat pumpkin Bylinka is its long shelf life. The harvested crop perfectly retains its attractive appearance and taste until the next season. Also, the variety is resistant to external influences and temperature extremes.
woman
Rossiyanka is a variety of early ripening with high yields. From one plant, under favorable conditions, from 15 to 20 kg of crop is removed. This variety of nutmeg pumpkin has proven itself well when grown in the Urals, and the variety is also suitable for planting crops in the Moscow region.
Growing nutmeg pumpkin in open ground
Caring for butternut squash is usually easy, although this culture is considered to be more demanding on heat than other species. You can grow it through seedlings, but it is also possible to sow seeds immediately in open ground. The second option is preferable only in the south of the country, in other regions the crop is grown under cover or seedlings.
Site selection and preparation
When choosing a landing site, it is better to stay in open, bright areas that are well protected from drafts. The culture bears fruit best on light loamy soils, but also develops well on other types of soil. If desired, you can dig up the selected area in the fall and fertilize it with a mixture of superphosphate and rotted manure.
Preparation of planting material
Preparation of nutmeg pumpkin seeds is reduced to soaking in hot water (about 50 ° C) for 1-2 hours. Then they are wrapped in a damp cloth until pecked.
Features of landing
The approximate dates for sowing seeds for seedlings are the last days of April, but depending on the variety and climatic conditions, the dates may vary. Grow seedlings indoors, with a temperature not lower than 22 ° C. Seedling care involves moderate watering, fertilizing with complex fertilizer (2 times) and hardening. Seedlings can be transplanted into open ground when 2-4 leaves are formed on them. By this time, the earth should warm up properly, at least to 10-12 ° C, which falls on average at the end of May.
The recommended planting pattern is 60 by 60 cm. The depth of the hole should be at least 10 cm. Each of them must be filled with water before planting. When she leaves, the seedlings are placed in the holes, added dropwise and slightly pressed down on the ground.
Aftercare
Further care is as follows:
- It is necessary to regularly weed the plantings and loosen the soil near the plants.
- Despite the fact that most varieties of butternut squash are quite drought-resistant, it is recommended to water the beds in a timely manner. At the same time, they are guided by the state of the soil – it should not crack. Before the formation of ovaries, pumpkins are watered on average 1 time per week, then the frequency of watering is increased to 2 times a week, and only warm settled water can be used.
- Pumpkin develops well even without fertilization, but to get a good harvest, it is advisable to feed the plantings at least 2-3 times. 10-14 days after planting, the plants are fertilized with mullein infusion in a ratio of 1:10. During the flowering period, complex fertilizers and wood ash are suitable.
- Butternut squash forms a large number of ovaries, however, they are not able to provide them with sufficient nutrition. If you do not cut off the extra shoots, the plant forms many small fruits. So that the crop does not shrink, it is recommended to form a culture of 2-4 fruits.
Diseases and pests
The most common diseases of butternut squash include:
- Anthracnose. The first sign of the disease is that the fruits and stems of the plant are covered with brown spots. If nothing is done, the pumpkin will begin to crumble and dry out. Against anthracnose, plantings are treated with a solution of Bordeaux mixture.
- Bacteriosis Appears as dark green spots. Then the leaves of the pumpkin begin to dry out, and the fruits become deformed. Plantings are treated with a solution of copper sulfate or Bordeaux liquid. The affected areas of the plant must be cut off.
- Root rot – a disease that first affects the underground part of the plant, causing cracking of the roots. Then the fruit stops growing, and the leaves turn yellow and dry out. Plants are treated with preparations “Fundazol” and “Previkur”. Wood ash has proven itself well in the fight against root rot.
Of the pests, the nutmeg pumpkin is most often damaged by the following insects:
- spider mite;
- melon aphid;
- slugs.
Against aphids and spider mites, the beds are treated with Karbofos and an infusion of onion peel. In order to scare away slugs, the plants are sprinkled with ash and sprayed with infusion of garlic. Copes well with slugs “Thunderstorm”.
Prevention of diseases and pests implies compliance with the following rules of agricultural technology:
- in no case should plants be flooded during watering;
- it is important to adhere to crop rotation;
- planting varieties are planted according to the recommended scheme;
- weeds should be weeded from time to time;
- plants should be regularly inspected for diseases and pests;
- next to pumpkins, it is better to place crops with other typical diseases.
Harvesting and storage of crops
The exact timing of harvesting depends on the variety of butternut squash, but in general it is better not to delay this process. Since this culture is quite thermophilic, it is necessary to harvest the fruits before the onset of the first frost. Even the slightest cold snap can almost completely ruin the harvest of some varieties that are especially sensitive to heat.
When harvesting ripe fruits, the following rules are followed:
- the pumpkin is not picked by hand, but cut with a knife or secateurs;
- it is desirable to collect in dry cloudless weather;
- when cutting the fruit, the peel should not be touched, since an infection can penetrate through the cut and subsequently go to other pumpkins.
The harvested crop is harvested in a room with room temperature, but it is better to move the fruits to the cellar, where it is dark and cool. The optimum temperature for long-term storage is 12°C.
Conclusion
Butternut squash has earned favorable reviews from gardeners for its versatility in the use of fruits, however, this crop is best suited for making desserts. The variety is distinguished by sweetness, so nutmeg pumpkin is most often added to pastries, baby food and sweet cereals.
You can learn more about the features of nutmeg pumpkin from the video below:
