We use affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of these links, we may receive compensation or commission.
musk pumpkin – [ESSEN UND TRINKEN]
The musk squash: this includes, for example, the butternut and nutmeg squash. We’ll tell you which varieties the term musk pumpkin includes and what they all have in common.
The characteristics of musk pumpkin

The musk pumpkin has a particularly high amount of aromatic pulp
© Tullio Rodda
The musk pumpkin is often considered the finest pumpkin to eat.
The pulp of musk squash is dark yellow to bright orange and is particularly valued for its intense aroma and nutty note. The taste and color of musk squash become more intense the longer it is stored.
The skins of musk squash are usually smooth, partly ribbed and not very hard. Warty, furrowed surfaces are very rare in musk squash, but they do occur in some Japanese varieties.
What makes musk squash popular, in addition to its good aroma, is the fact that it has a narrow seed range. This means it provides a particularly large amount of pulp.
The texture of its leaves clearly distinguishes musk squash from other types of squash. In his case they are characteristically speckled with white and have a soft texture. Identifying musk squash based on the fruit stalk is a little more difficult. With its angular texture, it is very similar to that of summer squashes, but sits somewhat “kneeling” on the fruit.
In musk squash, the pulp, but also young plant shoots and flowers are used as Vegetables processed. The kernels are eaten roasted or ground, for example in stews.
A musk squash with an intact stem and rind can be stored for several months.
Varieties of musk squash

Aromatic musk squash: butternut
©Jennifer
The most well-known and most important musk pumpkin is the Nutmeg pumpkin. In recent years it has become increasingly popular – especially in fine dining. The flat-round, ribbed vegetables, mostly imported from France, are dark green when unripe. As it ripens it turns beige. When freshly cut, this musk pumpkin gives off a sweet aroma that is slightly reminiscent of nutmeg. Although the flesh is quite fibrous, it does not fall apart when cooked.
Another very popular variety of musk squash is the butternut.
The pear-shaped fruit is characterized by a buttery aroma and tender flesh.
The snake gourd, also known as snake hair gourd, is a little more exotic. Due to its special growth habit, this musk pumpkin actually has a striking resemblance to snakes.
In addition to these three varieties, the term musk pumpkin includes many others that differ in size, shape and color.