The difference between Violina squash and Butternut

October it’s pumpkin month. And not just because the pumpkin of Halloween it is the most famous and widespread symbol to celebrate the night of the witches. The sweetish taste and the firm consistency of the pulp make the pumpkin a versatile and ideal ingredient for making the most varied recipes fall recipes, but not everyone knows that there are many varieties on the market. Let’s find out together how to distinguish the violin pumpkin from the butternut squashboth used and loved in the kitchen.

Violina squash

Recognizing the Violina pumpkin is simple: its elongated shape makes it look like a violin, as the name suggests. There is some doubt about its origin, but it would appear to be native to Central America thanks to the discovery of some pumpkin seeds dated 7,000 BC. It is often confused with the Butternut pumpkin, as they have very similar shapes. How to distinguish it? His peel it is thick and wrinkled and yellow in color with orange reflections. There pulpon the other hand, has an intense yellow color based on the degree of ripeness, as well as being particularly tender and with a sweet taste compared to the other varieties, so much so that its perfume is released only when cut.

The length of this variety of pumpkin varies between 20 and 35cm and its weight varies from 2kg to 4kg. Thanks to the versatility of the pulp, the Violina pumpkin is found in many autumn recipes. Excellent for the fillings of tortelli e you torteit is also ideal fried, baked or in the form of jam because of its particularly sweet taste.
Like other varieties of pumpkin, this one is also rich in carotenes which guarantee anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There is no shortage of calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin E and also a high number of fibers which make this autumn fruit ideal for reachingthe well-being of our body and our intestines.

The butternut squash

The butternut squash it is a winter variety that is very common in Australia, New Zealand and the United States, but it is also appreciated in Italy as it is very similar to the violin pumpkin due to its oblong shape. Unlike the Violina pumpkin, this variety is characterized by the thin skin, but its aftertaste tends towards fresh hazelnut. How to distinguish it? Its shape is bell-shaped and the color of the skin tends towards green-orange. There pulp instead it is compact but at the same time very tender, contains rather small seeds and the color is yellow-orange. Even its weight is decidedly different, in fact it can reach up to 3kg and reach 35cm in length.

Like other squash varieties, Butternut squash is also rich in mineral salts and vitamins. In particular, it contains a lot of vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C, essential for sight, skin but also for the immune system. Plus it contains a good amount of antioxidants e you fibre which make it a valid ally against cellular aging and for those suffering from intestinal problems.

In the kitchen? This variety of pumpkin is particularly versatile: you can roast it in the oven (try it with the skin on!), prepare creamy soups and steam or fry it. But thanks to his nutty aftertasteit is also ideal for desserts, cakes, biscuits and jams, or you can combine it with tasty savory dishes.