Butternut squash is a beige-skinned winter squash shaped like a club or bell, with firm, sweet, yellow-orange flesh and a small seed cavity in the bulbous end. A variety of Cucurbita moschata, it is harvested mature with a hard rind that allows months of storage. Its flesh roasts, mashes, and purées beautifully, with natural sugars that caramelise in the oven. Nutritionally it provides vitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fibre at modest calorie cost. It features in soups, risottos, curries, and pies across many cuisines, and its sweetness pairs well with sage, nutmeg, and brown butter.