Pumpkins vs butternut squash

DizzyLinds

Are these two basically the same?

GymPoet

Yes

cdjs77

The simple answer is yes.

But, are you speaking in terms of cooking? Butternut Squash is a variety of the squash species Cucurbita Moschata. Most of the squash types in this species taste similar and these are the types of squash actually used in canned pumpkin and a lot of commercially made pumpkin things (Libby's uses a special variety called "****inson Field Pumpkin"). Many people will make pumpkin recipes from scratch using sugar pumpkin, however, it is not as sweet as squash of the Cucurbita Moschata variety.

So, if you are thinking of making "pumpkin" recipes (especially desserts), you may actually want to use Butternut Squash instead as it will give a sweeter flavor and one closer to that of commercially made "pumpkin" recipes.

mmouse90

This was awesome information, thanks

stealthq

To me, no, but I'm apparently in the minority

To me, they have entirely different tastes. I can only eat pumpkin once it's been sweetened and well-seasoned. On the other hand, I'm happy to eat cooked butternut squash with nothing but a little salt, though I prefer it with chili and lime.

angelbaby75

To me, no, but I'm apparently in the minority

To me, they have entirely different tastes. I can only eat pumpkin once it's been sweetened and well-seasoned. On the other hand, I'm happy to eat cooked butternut squash with nothing but a little salt, though I prefer it with chili and lime.

I agree with you....no, they are not the same.

AllonsYtotheTardis

Are these two basically the same?

well, they don't taste the same.

cdjs77

To me, no, but I'm apparently in the minority

To me, they have entirely different tastes. I can only eat pumpkin once it's been sweetened and well-seasoned. On the other hand, I'm happy to eat cooked butternut squash with nothing but a little salt, though I prefer it with chili and lime.

I just want to note that when I said the simple answer was yes, I just meant that most commercially labeled pumpkin things are actually made with butternut squash or a similar variety.
Otherwise, I would tend to agree, traditional pumpkins (the orange ones) do not taste as good as butternut squash.