🎃 Preserving squash: duration & tips
Quick answer: The shelf life of a whole squash is generally 3 to 6 months at room temperature, provided it is stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated place. Once cut, it can be kept for up to 5 days in the refrigerator . To extend the shelf life, consider freezing or sterilizing it. 🥗
How long does a squash last?
Have you just harvested a beautiful butternut squash or a fresh pumpkin? Good news: a whole, ripe squash can easily be stored for 3 to 6 months in good conditions! 🎃 Whether it's a butternut squash , a pumpkin or another variety, the key is the environment: cool (10-15°C), dry, dark and well-ventilated. Place it on a shelf or in a crate, without contact between them to avoid the spread of possible mold.
Some varieties, like butternut squash or potimarron squash, can even be stored until the following spring, if you avoid shocks and humidity. Damaged or split squash should be eaten quickly, as they risk deteriorating more quickly. So, take care of them, and you'll enjoy delicious meals all winter long! 🍲
🧊 Tips to prolong the freshness of your squash
- Gently wipe your squash after harvesting to remove soil and avoid any injury to the skin.
- Store tail up , ideally on a wire rack or ventilated rack.
- Do not wash the squash before storage: humidity accelerates rotting.
- Check the condition of your squash regularly and remove any that have soft or suspicious spots.
- Pro tip: Rub a little 70° alcohol on the skin to disinfect before storage! 🧴
Inspired by advice from graines-semences.com .
🥄 And after cutting? How do you properly store the opened squash?
Once your squash is open, store it in the refrigerator , wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days . To prevent it from drying out, cover the flesh well and place it away from climacteric fruits like apples or pears.
- Remember to remove the seeds to prevent them from fermenting.
- If you grate or dice it, use it quickly in soup, gratin or pan-fried. 🥘
❄️ Can you freeze squash? Anti-waste tips
Yes, squash freezes very well! Dice or puree it, blanch the pieces for 3 minutes in boiling water , then let it cool before putting it in a bag. You can then enjoy it out of season for quick soups or soft cakes. 👩🍳
- Freezing helps preserve flavor and color for up to 10 months.
- Gourmet tip: prepare a squash puree in advance and freeze it in portions!
🌱 Should squash be washed before storage?
No, it's best to avoid it! Humidity encourages mold growth. If necessary, simply wipe off the soil with a dry cloth.
🍏 Can squash be stored with other fruits?
Avoid storing your squash near apples, pears, or bananas, which release ethylene gas and accelerate the ripening (and rotting) of the squash.
🔥 How do you know if a squash is no longer good?
A squash that is too soft, has a strong smell, or has black spots should be discarded. If the skin is wrinkled but the flesh remains firm, you can still cook it.
🥄 Should you sterilize squash to keep it longer?
Sterilization (in jars) is ideal for preserving cooked squash in soup or puree for several months at room temperature. A real plus for varying your off-season pleasures!
✨ Recipe ideas to use your squash without delay
- Oven-roasted butternut squash with thyme and olive oil: a quick and delicious classic! 🔥
- Creamy squash and coconut milk soup with mild curry: perfect for warming up.
- Soft pumpkin, cinnamon and hazelnut cake: sweet version, you'll love it!
- Pumpkin gratin with cheese: try it with the best air fryer 2025 for quick cooking.
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