This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = cmd_00211(GDF v2.1.1, ? attributes, 29 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.1.1_tier2_cmd_00211.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Butternut Squash |
| Scientific name | Cucurbita moschata |
| Family / Genus | Cucurbitaceae / — |
| Produce category | Cucurbit |
| Produce subcategory | Winter Squash |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4759 |
| PLU — organic | 94759 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_1167 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 50.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waltham Butternut | 25% | The classic, widely recognized butternut squash. Known for its uniform, bell-like shape, tan skin, and sweet, orange flesh. Excellent storage qualities and reliable yields. Good resistance to powdery |
| Metro | 18% | A popular hybrid known for high yields, excellent uniformity in size and shape, and strong disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew. Produces medium-sized, smooth-skinned fruit with good fla |
| Atlas | 12% | A large-fruited hybrid butternut, ideal for processing or markets desiring larger squash. Offers very high yields, good uniformity, and excellent storage potential. Strong disease resistance. |
| Honeynut | 10% | A miniature butternut squash, significantly smaller than traditional varieties, with a darker tan skin and intensely sweet, nutty flavor. Bred for convenience, higher brix, and concentrated nutrition. |
| Autumn Glow | 8% | A high-yielding hybrid with good disease resistance, producing medium-sized, uniform fruits. Known for its smooth texture and sweet flavor. Good for fresh market and processing. |
| Argus | 7% | A vigorous hybrid producing uniform, medium-large fruits with excellent internal quality and good storage. Noted for strong disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew. |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: 50°F.
- Freezing point: 30.5°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 2 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.05 µL/kg·hr typical (0.01–0.1) |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Sensitivity threshold | 1 ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Butternut squash is non-climacteric and has very low ethylene production and sensitivity. Ethylene exposure is not a primary concern for typical storage durations.
Mixed-load compatibility
Compatible with other non-ethylene sensitive, cool-storage commodities. Avoid strong odor emitters.
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? No
- Light-sensitive? No
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Increasing, driven by health trends, culinary versatility, and year-round availability.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.6 |
| Income elasticity | 0.3 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -1.2 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Waltham Butternut | 70% |
| Honeynut | 10% |
| Other Butternut varieties | 20% |
Pack sizes
- 35-40 lb carton (loose)
- 2-3 lb bag
- 10 lb foodservice carton (pre-cut)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T23:50:00.000Z.