Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

Long Island Cheese Pumpkin

General Information

The Long Island Cheese Pumpkin, sometimes called a Cinderella pumpkin, is related to butternut squash.   Use in recipes just as you would butternut squash.  The most difficult thing about winter squash is peeling it -even smooth-skinned varieties, such as butternut, can defeat many peelers. For acorn and other bumpy squash, you have no choice but to cook with the skin still on.  Try baking, roasting, boiling or mashing them. All species of squashes and pumpkins are native to the Western Hemisphere. Since this is a plant that requires a fair amount of hot weather for best growth, it has never become very well known in northern Europe, the British Isles, or in similar areas with short or cool summers. 

Health Benefits

All pumpkins are known for containing a significant source of beta carotene which contains anti-oxidants, and benefits your eyes and skin. They also contain more than ¼ of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A and tons of potassium. This pumpkin also has zero cholesterol and hardly any source of fat. In addition, a cup of this cooked pumpkin is less than 25 calories!

Storing & Cooking Information

Handling: The most difficult thing about winter squash is peeling it -even smooth-skinned varieties, such as butternut, can defeat many peelers. For acorn and other bumpy squash, you have no choice but to cook with the skin still on.

Storing: Winter squash will last 3-6 months stored at room temperature in a dry and cool (50-55 degrees) but not cold location.

Freezing: Cook the squash until soft, scoop out the flesh, pack in freezer containers, label, and place in the freezer.

Tips: This unusually named squash cooks and tastes much better than traditional pumpkins and are known for making superior pumpkin pies. Their smooth flesh is much easier to work with than the stringy guts of bright orange pumpkins and are much sweeter. These pumpkins can be pureed to make sweet soups or a possible side dish to end-of-summer recipes.