Mysty PfefferAmazing butternut squash has so many benefits to build and sustain our bodies!
Did you know that butternut squash when picked after its peak ripeness is able to protect itself from disease? Who knows the interpretation of a thing? The adaptability of a every species in the garden continually amazes me. What does not surprise me are the benefits! I love how it helps build the immune system and contributes to maintaining muscle and bone mass alongside a well balanced eating plan.
Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Here in Ohio, this year’s volunteer crop of butternut squash sprouted spontaneously from our compost pile as my husband tilled its richness through the rows of potatoes.
God not only placed in the seed its genetic code to multiply, but also the protective ability to harden it’s skin as it lies in the sun ripening for winter. The clue to picking this at the height of it’s protection is after the fruit reaches its peachy tan color.
Once the peak color is present the fruit is ready for use in my soup.
Since I don’t want to damage the vine or the remaining fruit I carefully cut it leaving a one inch stem. I pick the first for a taste test and leave the rest.
The remaining squash lye on the vines several more weeks as hardening of the outer skin begins and the cooler temperatures at night cause the vines to wither and fade. I can’t help but picture the elements of life for this plant with our own task of self-preservation. We too develop a hard exterior at times when repeated exposure to invaders occur. Mentally and physically.
Butternut squash’s amazing benefits begin as its minerals and vitamins are extracted. These macronutrients help our immune system counteract free radicals. Therefore, counteracting the over processed and highly preserved items we tend to consume. At the same time, our minds are bombarded with fear of pandemics, deadlines, relationship woes, or a health crisis.
Moreover, how do we cope? How do we grasp onto sanity and bring forth preservation? The key of course is wisdom. The same wisdom that changes the face of the man in our verse above. We have the pleasure of applying the wisdom of God’s word to our daily lives so we can experience a change in our own faces.
Just as our butternut squash is filled with lush nutrient flesh to build and sustain our bodies, God’s word is filled with soothing Psalms to nourish our souls.
Learn more about Butternut Squash Benefits Here:
Preparing the squash for this mineral and vitamin packed soup is easy:
1. Wash thoroughly with water.
2. Bake the whole squash on a oven safe dish for one hour at 350 degrees.
3. 40 minutes into baking add a bulb of garlic to roast alongside the squash, it will roast 20 minutes and 3 cloves will be added to the soup.
Butternut Squash Soup
You’ll need the following:
- One Large Roasted Butternut Squash
- Three Cloves Roasted garlic
- 4 Tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
- 1 Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Rosemary
- 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 32 Ounce Box of Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Take the cooled roasted butternut squash and peel the outer skin. Slice down the middle and remove the seeds and strings. Dice the remaining flesh into cubes. You can proceed one of two ways: Place the squash in a blender with the 32 ounces of broth to puree or place in a soup pot with the broth and use an immersion blender to puree’. Your choice. I like to use my blender. So, I add the spices, roasted garlic, hers, salt, and broth to my blender and puree’. I then add it to my soup pot with the almond milk. Heat until warm and serve.
