Why does butternut squash do that to your hands?

Question

I noticed that whenever I work with butternut squash, there is this weird film on my hands like the top layer of skin is peeling off. One of my coworkers noticed the same thing on her hands. What causes this?

Answer 1

They wax the squash to make them pretty in the store, shiny, and protect them a bit. Just wash them first w/ Dawn or some other grease-cutting detergent and warm water.