Some products at the Cambridge Farmers' Market are only available during certain seasons because different crops grow at different times of the year. Below is a list of what's in season each month. Please note these are approximate dates and may vary according to local weather.
Be sure to check out our Recipe Book for different ways to use fresh ingredients in your meals!
What's In Season in October
Lets Talk about Butternut Squash! This hourglass shaped squash is known for its silky texture and a taste that is reminiscent of a buttery sweet potato. Butternut squash is full of Vitamins A and C.
Butternut squash is available in Canada starting July/August until November/December depending on when the first frost is.
Don't forget there are other varieties of squash for you to try....the Acorn, the Spaghetti, the Peanut Pumpkin and the Carnival squash can all be found at our market!
What to look for when Buying or picking:
Visual clues can tell you a lot about the ripeness of a particular butternut squash. It should be beige all over and the darker the shade the better. It should have no green patches. The skin should be matte, not shiny and free of cuts and blemishes.
What to avoid when buying or picking:
Lift the butternut squash to feel it’s weight. If it feels remotely hollow or light it has most likely gone bad.
How is it Grown?
The butternut squash growing season is about 3-4 months for the squash to reach maturity. It cannot be harvested before it is completely ripe as this squash does not continue to ripen after it is harvested.
Butternut squash grows on a vine like stem on top of the ground much like a pumpkin.
Did you know?
Butternut squash seeds can be eaten as a nutritious snack food, just like pumpkin seeds.
Australians actually call the butternut squash a butternut pumpkin.
Butternut Squash is one of the longest keeping vegetables, lasting over 3 months when stored properly.
Butternut squash and pumpkins are very similar, however a pumpkin is classified as a fruit, where as butternut squash is classified as a vegetable.
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Learn about the benefits of buying local.