Butternut Squash ripeness

[Honeybee]

I bought a butternut squash to make Thick's spanish rice receipe. I've never used one before. Is there a way to tell when it's ready to use? Or is it pretty much ready to go (it's really hard)?

Thank you.

[rawstrength]

It's supposed to be hard. If you bought it at the supermarket, then it's ready to go.
If you grew it yourself, on the other hand, then it can be hard to tell when it's ripe. The skin should be brown, not green, and it should sound hollow when you tap it.
I've had the good fortune never to have bought an unripe one from a store. I'm pretty sure that they are all ripe once they're at the supermarket.

[Honeybee]

Thank you so much for responding. I guess I'm ready to go.