Are you a fan of the rich, buttery flavor of butternuts?
Unfortunately, due to a fungus disease that has wiped out many native stands, finding these delicious nuts can be a challenge.
But fear not, there are still some growers out there producing these tasty treats.
In this article, we’ll explore where you can buy butternuts and learn more about this unique nut tree.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your craving for butternuts.
Where Can I Buy Butternuts
If you’re looking to buy butternuts, your best bet is to search for small growers and processors in your area. While the native industry has all but disappeared due to the fungus disease, there are still some growers out there producing these nuts.
One option is Grimo Nut Nursery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. They grow a few grafted butternut trees that produce a relatively inconsistent crop, but they do offer nuts for sale in the fall.
Another option is to search for local farmers markets or specialty food stores that may carry butternuts during the harvest season.
You can also try searching online for butternut sellers. However, be sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable sources to ensure the quality and safety of the nuts.
What Are Butternuts?
Butternuts, also known as white walnuts, are a type of nut that belong to the walnut family. They are slow-growing trees that can grow up to 40-60 feet tall and have a massive spread of 35-50 feet at maturity. The nuts have a sweet, buttery flavor and are used for baking, confections, and fresh eating. Butternuts were primarily grown for home consumption in the past, and there was little interest in cultivating commercial orchards due to their slow growth and short lifespan. However, a fungus disease has largely wiped out the native stands of butternuts, making them harder to find today. Nonetheless, there are still some growers producing these nuts, and they can be found at local farmers markets, specialty food stores, or online from reputable sources.
The History Of Butternuts In The United States
The history of butternuts in the United States dates back to the early colonial period. The lower Butternut Valley was one of the first areas to be developed for farming, with investors purchasing large tracts of land and obligating themselves to establish farming communities within a few years. The settlers who came to the valley brought with them their agricultural and architectural backgrounds, as well as their ideas of education, etiquette, entertainment, religious practice, and fashion.
Butternut trees were an important part of the economy in the Butternut Valley. They were fast-growing and produced thick-shelled nuts that were easy to open and delicious. The nuts were used to make cheese, butter, cloth, leather, and other products. The butternut was also an important food source for American Indians and early settlers.
During the Civil War, the dye from butternuts was commonly used to dye uniforms. Confederate soldiers were even referred to as “butternuts” because of their uniforms’ color. The nut was also prepared in a variety of ways by American Indians, who used it for breads, puddings, sauces, and as a flavoring for dishes.
However, the butternut tree has declined in recent years due to a fungal canker disease that affects it. This has made it more difficult to find butternuts for sale. Nonetheless, there are still small growers and processors out there producing these nuts. It is important to do your research and only purchase from reputable sources to ensure the quality and safety of the nuts.
The Threat Of Butternut Canker Disease
Butternut canker disease is a serious threat to the survival of the butternut tree species. The disease was most likely introduced from Asia through the St. Lawrence Seaway into ports around the Great Lakes and was first noticed in the late 1960s. Since then, it has spread east and south to the farthest extent of the butternut’s native range. The disease has killed an estimated 90% or more of Michigan’s butternut trees, and most butternuts die within 15 years of infection. Virtually all known populations of butternut are now infected, and the disease has effectively eliminated butternut as a thriving tree species within the northeast forest ecosystem.
Symptoms of butternut canker disease on the tree include many dead branches, discoloration of leaves in early to mid-summer, and the creation of many cankers or dead lesions all over the tree. Signs of the disease include oozing black liquid from wounds, black powdery material surrounding dead spots on the bark, and the formation of target-like cankers around the base of the tree.
Efforts to use genetics research to propagate canker-resistant trees have proven disappointing so far. Despite decades of research, many of these beautiful trees that were growing among these dead and dying trees are now cankered. Some trees are just able to fight it off longer than others. It looks like it will be an uphill battle to breed resistance. Even without the disease, the fate of the butternut may be sealed if no disturbance such as fire, wind damage, or timber harvesting occurs to create open regeneration areas near aging butternuts.
The threat of butternut canker disease not only affects butternut trees but also poses a risk to other types of nut trees such as black walnuts and Carpathian English walnuts. While these trees are not yet affected by the disease, it could be a matter of time before it reaches them. The disease is spread through insects, wind, rain splash, spores that stick to animals, and infected firewood and cut logs that are transported from one place to another.
How To Store And Use Butternuts In Cooking
Once you’ve acquired your butternuts, it’s important to store them properly to ensure their freshness and longevity. Whole butternuts should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, such as a pantry or cellar, at a temperature between 50°F and 60°F. Do not store whole squash in the refrigerator, as the cold temperatures could affect the texture and decrease their shelf life. Whole butternuts can last for up to two months when stored correctly.
If you’ve already cut up your butternuts for a recipe, you can store the unused portion in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it with a close-fitting container or zippered plastic bag to maintain its freshness. You can also peel and cube the butternut squash and store it uncooked in an airtight food storage container in the fridge for three to five days.
If you’re looking for an easy option for meal prep, you can roast cubed butternut squash and store it in the fridge for use throughout the week. To roast butternut squash, simply peel and dice it into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and seasonings of your choice, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and pasta fillings. Its creamy, nutty flesh is delicious roasted, steamed, or sautéed. To prepare butternut squash yourself, use a sturdy, sharp chef’s knife to cut off the top (with the hard stem), then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy interior with a spoon. You can peel the squash after roasting or before sautéing with a sharp vegetable peeler or a paring knife.
In addition to its delicious flavor, butternut squash is also a good source of iron, riboflavin, and vitamins A and C. So, whether you’re roasting it for meal prep or using it in a hearty soup, butternut squash is a healthy and tasty addition to any dish.
Health Benefits Of Butternuts
Butternut squash is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. This winter squash is rich in vital polyphenolic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has very low calories, with just 45 calories per 100g serving and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. However, it is a rich source of dietary fiber and phytonutrients, making it a perfect vegetable for cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidants, specifically vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. These antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and support the immune system. It’s a great hydrator, with one serving of butternut squash being roughly 87% water, which can help keep you hydrated. It’s also good for your immunity, as it’s full of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for your immune system.
Butternut squash is excellent for your eyes as it has lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Along with beta-carotene and vitamin A, these nutrients are crucial for maintaining healthy eyesight. Butternut squash is also a good source of fiber that can help keep your weight in balance and lower your risk of colorectal cancer.
It can help your blood pressure as it’s high in potassium. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. Its fiber content helps with blood sugar regulation, making it an excellent food choice for people with diabetes.
Butternut squash seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids that benefit heart health. They are also rich in protein, minerals, and numerous health-benefiting vitamins. The seeds are an excellent source of health-promoting amino acid tryptophan, which converts to health-benefiting GABA neurochemical in the human brain.
Incorporating butternut squash into a balanced diet is an easy and delicious way to boost your health. It’s versatile and easily added to both sweet and savory dishes. So, if you’re looking for a nutrient-dense food that can help you lose weight and protect against conditions like cancer, heart disease, and mental decline, butternut squash is an excellent choice.
