Buttercup Squash

Developed in 1932 at North Dakota Agricultural College (now the State University) by Dr. A. F. Yeager, this turban-shaped squash with its distinctive pale “beanie” has long been esteemed by many growers as the ideal winter squash, but it has just recently begun to be better distributed nationwide. The heavy rind is deep ivy-green (but may be orange in several closely related varieties that are sold as buttercup) marked with uneven, narrow stripes the same color as the cap. Although generally about 3 pounds, the squash may be as light as 1½, or as heavy as 6. The medium-sweet orange flesh is fine-textured, creamy, and mild, very similar to that of butternut.