Black Ring Surrounding Seed Cavity In Waltham Butternut Squash

Question From: Cinebar, Washington, United States
Q: what causes a black ring surrounding the seed cavity in our Waltham butternut squash? It is unsightly and we cut it away when preparing for cooking. We have never seen this in our squash, and so far it appears in every squash we have opened

A: Sounds like blossom end rot. It's caused by lack of moisture available to the plant when the fruit was forming. If the flesh of the squash looks good, it's edible, so just cut the black end off and prepare as usual. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy