Butternut vs Kent pumpkin: Which should you get?

Pumpkins, which are under the winter squash nomenclature, are fruits typically used as a cooking ingredient. They range not just in taste but also in appearance—from pale green to bright orange and from oval to bulbous. Because there are several types to choose from—including butternut vs Kent pumpkin—it may be confusing to figure out which one works well with which dish.

As such, this article will serve as a guide by discussing the qualities of Kent vs butternut pumpkin—two popular pumpkin varieties in Australia.

What is a butternut pumpkin?

Pale yellow on the outside and orange on the inside, butternut pumpkins are a favoured ingredient in many dishes due to their sweetness’s versatility. They typically weigh 2 kilogrammes and are known for their bell-shaped appearance.

What is a Kent pumpkin?

Kent pumpkin, also called Japanese or Jap pumpkin, is part of the Cucurbita moschata species (just like butternut pumpkin). Their skin’s green colour is speckled with yellow and brown, while their flesh is yellow-orange. They are round in shape and have an average weight of 4 kilogrammes. Taste-wise, they are also nutty and sweet.

Kent vs butternut pumpkin: Which is better for your needs?

Check out which type of pumpkin—butternut or Kent—you should pick based on the following aspects:

In terms of cost

Both varieties are affordable, but Kent pumpkin tends to be more budget-friendly than butternut squash. Across different seasons, supermarkets and online grocery stores have a price discrepancy of around $1 to $2 per kilogramme.

In terms of cooking time

Cutting a butternut pumpkin may take longer due to its tough skin and dense flesh. Meanwhile, one can slice through a Kent pumpkin easily. It also tends to soften faster than butternut when being cooked. However, do note that the time it’ll take to put a meal together varies based on the type of cooking or baking done.

In terms of taste

Kent pumpkins have a nutty and very sweet flavour profile—similar to that of sweet potatoes—that works perfectly with salads. On the other hand, butternut pumpkins’ brand of sweetness and nuttiness makes them the right blend for more types of meals.

In terms of nutritional value

When comparing Kent pumpkin vs butternut nutrition-wise, one can see that both are low-carb and non-fat. In line with this, there’s not much difference in Kent pumpkin vs butternut in calorie content. Both are also good sources of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. But for health nuts, know that butternut pumpkins have more vitamin A in them.

In terms of versatility

Butternut pumpkin can be prepared in several ways—mashed, cubed, or julienned, for instance—and has a taste that complements several sweet, spicy, and savoury meals. Aside from being the best pumpkin for roasting (especially with blue cheese), it can be used as an ingredient for pasta sauces, sides, and most cooked dishes. Meanwhile, Kent is one of the best pumpkins for baking quiches and pies. In terms of texture, both become creamy when cooked.

In terms of availability

Both pumpkin varieties are annual plants that are grown in various regions, including South and Western Australia, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania. They are also easily accessible and available in markets and grocery stores throughout the country all year round.

In terms of growth difficulty

Butternut and Kent pumpkins are usually planted during springtime. If you are planning to have your own pumpkin patch, know that it takes 20 to 25 weeks to harvest Kent pumpkins. Meanwhile, butternut squashes can mature in 15 to 18 weeks. Pumpkin seeds of both types are relatively easy to grow as long as they are planted in fertile soil and located in a place with plenty of sunlight.

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