“Our farms down in Mexico haven’t started harvesting yet,” said Raquel Espinoza of Produce House. “Our farm in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico will start mid-November and Guaymas, Sonora expects to start shortly after, with Obregon, Sonora coming in early December.”
“Growing conditions have been ideal. The temperatures and rain have allowed our Mexico farms to develop a good supply of butternut squash, so we’re anticipating a good supply when it starts coming through Nogales. We’ve had a good labor supply as well, which has helped with growing hard squash,” said Espinoza, and we are happy to announce that we are now part of the Fair Trade organization.”
“Because the squash hasn’t really begun to ship over the border yet, it’s not easy to predict market conditions. We’re currently seeing market prices in the $12 range per box. Spaghetti squash prices are a little bit higher. We have a good supply of that variety coming in,” shared Espinoza.
Espinoza was able to say, “We may see a decrease from last year in acorn squash. Last year, there seemed to be an over-abundance of supply and growers might rethink to plant as much. In addition, consumers seem to prefer butternut and spaghetti over acorn. However, we do expect to have good movement before the holidays, especially with Thanksgiving coming up. Butternut is always a favorite.”
According to World’s Healthiest Foods, winter squash, which includes butternut, is an important carotenoid source. Carotenoids are antioxidants critical to our good health. When consumers cook and eat butternut squash, they can use just about every part of this vegetable, including the seeds.
Butternut squash provides several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant support, blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular support.
