Spaghetti Squash vs. Butternut Squash – What’s The Difference?

The butternut squash and spaghetti squash are consumed in winters and delicious taste and nutritious properties. To stay healthy and consume various nutrients, one can add both the squashes in their diet. Does the main question arise what the difference between them both is?

The main difference has initiated the texture of both squashes: the spaghetti squash contains a stingy texture after cooking, while the butternut squash has a creamy texture. The taste of spaghetti squash is neutral, and butternut squash is sweet and nutty. The shape of butternut squash is bell liked while the shape of spaghetti squash is oval-shaped.

The spaghetti squash contains lower calories as compared to butternut squash. The nutritional properties of both the squashes also vary, such as butternut squash contains vitamin A, Vitamin while the spaghetti squash contains Calcium and iron in abundance. Lastly, the method of preparation is also different such as spaghetti squash takes an hour to cook while the spaghetti squash is cooked in thirty minutes.

We have detailed all the basic information related to butternut squash and spaghetti squash below.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash, also called vegetable spaghetti belongs to the cultivars group of Cucurbita. The spaghetti squash is available in different sizes, shapes and colors. The center contains a large inedible seed.

Appearance

The appearance of the spaghetti squash is oval and weighs about two to four pounds. The color of spaghetti squash is yellow, and the inside is pale. The spaghetti squash is utilized mostly in winters, but one can consume it throughout the year.

Taste

The taste of spaghetti squash is a little bland which means that it has a very neutral taste and can be consumed along with sauces to enhance the taste. Spaghetti squash is often consumed along with meat products such as chicken, pork and lamb. The garlic and olive oil are added to it to get a richer taste.

Storage

The storage technique of both butternut squash and spaghetti squash is similar. One should store it in a dry and cool place so humidity can’t reach it. The fruits that produce ethylene gas when ripened should be placed separately from butternut squash and spaghetti squash.

Ensure that both the squashes are dry when they are stored so that bacteria can’t grow inside them and don’t get exposed to fungi. If you take care of the squashes and store them in a dry and clean place, you can preserve them for about three to two months. After this time, the nutritional properties are lost.

Nutritional Value

One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains the following nutrients:

• Calories 42 Kcal
• Carbs 10 grams
• Fiber 2.2 grams
• Protein 1 gram
• Fat 0.5 grams
• 9 % of vitamin C
• 8 % of manganese
• 6 % of pantothenic acid
• 6 % of niacin

Health Benefits

The spaghetti squash contains antioxidants that fight against free radicals and help prevent oxidative stress and reduce cell damage in the body. It also contains beta carotene, which protects the DNA against damage. The enriched form of vitamin C present in spaghetti squash plays a role in preventing disease.

The fiber content present in spaghetti squash promotes the digestive working properly. It helps in treating diseases like diverticulitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids and Gerd. It also helps in weight loss by emptying the stomach and increasing metabolism.

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash, also called butternut pumpkin and gramma is found readily in Australia and New Zealand. It is mostly consumed in winters and has a nutty, sweet taste, similar to the taste of pumpkin. The appearance of the butternut squash is yellow and orange with the presence of seeds.

Appearance

The appearance of the butternut squash is shaped like a bell and weighs about two to four pounds. The color of the butternut squash is yellow and tan, and when it is fully ripened, the color turns into a deep beige one. The butternut squash is most consumed in winters but is available throughout the year.

Taste

Talking about the taste of butternut squash which is sweet and nutty. Spices and herbs are added to enhance the taste and flavor of butternut squash, such as cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, nutmeg, and rosemary.

Storage

The storage technique of both butternut squash and spaghetti squash is similar. One should store it in a dry and cool place so humidity can’t reach it. The fruits that produce ethylene gas when ripened should be placed separately from butternut squash and spaghetti squash.

Ensure that both the squashes are dry when they are stored so that bacteria can’t grow inside them and don’t get exposed to fungi. If you take care of the squashes and store them in a dry and clean place, you can preserve them for about three to two months. After this time, the nutritional properties are lost.

Nutritional Properties

One cup of cooked butternut squash contains:

• Calories 82 Kcal
• Carbs 22 grams
• Protein 2 grams
• Fiber 7 grams
• 45 % of Vitamin A
• 52 % of Vitamin C
• 10 % of Niacin
• 10 % of Thiamine

Health Benefits

Butternut squash contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals. It is enriched in carotenoids such as beta carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin: all these pigments give a bright appearance to the butternut squash. These carotenoids convert the retinal into the active form of vitamin A and are good for vision.

As vitamin A is present in abundance in butternut squash, it regulates cell growth, maintains eye health and helps in the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin A and C combine as antioxidants in the body and fight against free radicals. Vitamin E present in butternut squash reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The butternut squash contains vitamin B and folate, which help form red blood cells and provide energy to the body. The magnesium, manganese and potassium present in the butternut squash maintain bone health and act as co-factor in the processing of bone mineralization and tissue building.

So, What Is the Difference Between Spaghetti Squash and Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash and spaghetti squash are delicious and nutritious. To conclude the article mentioned above into key points:

1. The main difference has initiated the texture of both squashes: the spaghetti squash contains a stingy texture after cooking, while the butternut squash has a creamy texture.
2. The taste of spaghetti squash is neutral, and butternut squash is sweet and nutty.
3. The shape of butternut squash is bell liked while the shape of spaghetti squash is oval-shaped.
4. The spaghetti squash contains lower calories as compared to butternut squash.
5. The nutritional properties of both the squashes also vary, such as butternut squash contains vitamin A, Vitamin while the spaghetti squash contains Calcium and iron in abundance.
6. Lastly, the method of preparation is also different such as spaghetti squash takes an hour to cook while the spaghetti squash is cooked in thirty minutes.

Sources:

• Foodsguy
• Oureverydaylife
• Lifesavvy