Cucurbita moschata – Nutterbutter: Sweet and compact nutmeg pumpkin

The Cucurbita moschata Nutterbutter is a compact butternut squash variety beloved by hobby gardeners and professional growers for its aromatic, creamy, and sweet flesh. This variety combines high-yielding plants, uniform fruits, and excellent culinary qualities, making it ideal for the kitchen, market, and winter storage.

Appearance and characteristics of the fruits

Nutterbutter produces small to medium-sized fruits, usually weighing between 1.5 and 3 kilograms, with the characteristic butternut squash shape: a round belly and a short neck. The skin is smooth, firm, and light orange to beige, making the fruits decorative and practical for processing, transporting, and displaying.

The flesh is deep orange, creamy, aromatic, and sweet, with a subtle nutty flavor. The compact seed cavity makes most of the fruit edible, making it an effective addition to a variety of dishes.

Cultivation characteristics

Nutterbutter belongs to the Cucurbita moschata family, making the plants heat-hardy, robust, and often disease-resistant. The vines are short to medium-sized and develop strong leaves that protect the fruit from sunburn and dehydration. This variety is particularly suitable for smaller gardens, pots, and open-field cultivation.

Important cultivation characteristics:

• Compact nutmeg pumpkin variety with aromatic and sweet flesh

• Reliable fruit set and high yield per plant

• Shorter tendrils ideal for small gardens and pots

• Heat resistant and resistant to common diseases

• Suitable for both domestic and commercial cultivation

For optimal growth, Nutterbutter requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow indoors from April or outdoors from late May, as soon as the soil temperature is above 15°C. Regular watering and mulch promote healthy plants and optimal fruit quality.

Culinary applications

The sweet, aromatic, and creamy flesh of Nutterbutter is versatile in the kitchen. Their compact size makes them ideal for individual portions or dishes where smaller pumpkin pieces are desired.

Recommended applications:

• Roasted pumpkin cubes or slices

• Creamy pumpkin soups

• Stews and curries

• Puree for pasta, gnocchi or baby food

• Small stuffed pumpkins for presentation and parties

• Baking recipes such as muffins or bread

Thanks to the compact seed cavity, the pulp can be used efficiently, suitable for both domestic and professional cooking.

Storage and preservation quality

Nutterbutter keeps well. After a short curing period, the fruits can be stored for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place. During storage, the flavor deepens and the flesh becomes even sweeter and creamier, ideal for winter dishes and long-term culinary uses.

Why choose Nutterbutter?

• Compact nutmeg pumpkin variety with aromatic flesh

• Small to medium sized, uniform fruits

• Reliable harvest and robust plants

• Strong resistance to common diseases

• Versatile in the kitchen and excellent storage quality