A Load of Squash

This is the 4th year that we have gotten a) a lot of butternut squash, b) a prize winning whopper that is at least 15 pounds.

It all started in 2003 when we inadvertently grew some butternut squash. Some seeds from a squash we had bought ended up in a flower bed and started to grow. Rather than pull it out we left it to grow. Even though some of the later squash got nipped by frost, we had some great squash that fall.

So in 2004, we thought "hey, let's grow some squash." Since we had good luck with squash from the grocery store, we decided to do the same. If we had bought a package of seed, all we would have got was some seed. This way we got to eat the seed package.
We bought a squash early in the spring. We saved a few seeds and deliberately planted a few plants. The seeds were so vigorous, their roots started to sprout with just a few hours of soaking. Some of the squash grew very large. A few were 18 inches or longer and very thick. So we saved th e seed from those big ones.
In 2005 and 2006, those seeds again produced a bumper crop of fruit. Squash soup became one of our favourite fall foods.
This year again, we planted those same original saved seeds from 2004. How long will those seed remain viable?

Just to be safe this year we are planning to save the seeds from the big 16 pounder.

The seniors at my mom's apartment are having a squash soup luncheon today - the squash supplied by us. They have had squash soup luncheons for at least 2 years each fall.

We have found that one of the easiest ways to prepare butternut is to simply slice them into 1/2 inch sections, put them into a large container, pour a little oil on them, mix up the slices. Then throw them on the barbecue. You can add a little cinnamon or cloves, but just oil is just great. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy squash.