By buying your butternut squash pre-cut, you'll save time prepping and cutting your veggies. Although some prefer not to buy prepared produce because it spends more time oxidizing in the package, which can lead to your veggies losing their color and texture faster, you shouldn't notice much of a difference if you cook your cubes. To stay on the safe side, make sure the expiration date on the container hasn't passed. And if you're hesitant to buy pre-cut produce because you're trying to save money, consider that cubed butternut squash may not be too much more expensive than a whole one. At Vons, for example, one of the veggies sells for about $4.97, while 20 oz of cut squash goes for $4.99.
Before you buy, check that the cubes don't have a tinge of white on the outer layer, which could mean they're losing liquid and nutritional value. And per U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations, only choose packages that are in a refrigerator or surrounded by ice. As soon as you get home, make sure to throw your cubes in the fridge. You may be able to skip the washing step too, since some brands will pre-wash their squash, but always check that the package indicates this before doing so.
By taking these minor accommodations into account, you can save time and slicing stress by buying your squash pre-cut.
from What to Cook https://ift.tt/IsbWv9J