Squash season in France: calendar & tips – Neary
Quick answer: In France, the squash season runs from September to March 🥗. Pumpkin, butternut squash, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash are harvested in the fall, but can be enjoyed all winter long thanks to their excellent preservation! Choose local, ripe squash (dark, hard skin) and store them in a cool, dry place to enjoy them from fall until spring. 🍂🎃
It's impossible to miss squash when autumn arrives in France 🍂! From melting butternut squash to sweet pumpkin, spaghetti squash or Provence butternut squash, these colorful vegetables punctuate our plates from the first chill of September until the last days of winter. But do you really know when the squash season starts in France , how to choose them, store them and cook them to make the most of them? Follow the guide 👩🌾!
When to find squash in France? 🗓️
The squash season in France begins in September with the harvest of the first varieties (potimarron, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, etc.). It continues throughout the fall until the end of winter, as these root vegetables keep very well. Generally, you can buy fresh butternut squash or potimarron from French producers between September and March. In spring, supply becomes scarce and the quality declines: take advantage of it before it does!
- September to November : fresh harvest, maximum choice 🥳
- December to March : squash in stock, always delicious (if well stored)
- April to August : off-season, except for local or imported exceptions
For a detailed vegetable calendar in France, you can consult the resource Mangeons Local (very useful for knowing what to buy each month).
Which squashes to choose in France? 🎃
There are many varieties of squash grown in France , each with its own texture, taste and preferred uses:
- Pumpkin : orange flesh, sweet and mild, perfect in a velouté or roasted in the oven 🍁
- Butternut : velvety texture, nutty taste, superb in gratin, mashed or fries!
- Butternut squash from Provence : large, fragrant, ideal in soup or savory tart
- Spaghetti squash : stringy flesh, to be cooked like veggie “pasta”
- Patidou, Berry sucrine, delicata : mini sizes, original flavors, top stuffed
To get the most out of your squash, choose squash from local producers or local market gardeners. For example, find our Lorraine pumpkin , grown near you!
How to properly store your squash? 🧊
Good news: French squash are champions of conservation. Store them whole in a cool (10-15°C), dry and ventilated place: a cellar, a pantry or even a lightly heated entrance will do the trick. Avoid humidity and direct light: the skin must remain hard and matte! Some varieties (like butternut squash ) can be kept for two to three months without any problem. As soon as a part is opened, wrap it up and place it in the refrigerator, to be consumed within a week.
- Check regularly for soft spots or mold 👀
- Do not wash the squash before storage.
- To prolong, cut and freeze in cubes raw or cooked!
Tips and cooking ideas for squash season 🥄
Make the most of the French squash season by mixing things up! Here are some delicious ideas to keep you entertained all winter long:
- Roasted in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and mild spices (curry, cinnamon, etc.) 🔥
- Creamy velouté with coconut milk and ginger, for an exotic touch
- Stuffed squash (bacon, cereals, cheese, fresh herbs): complete and convivial dish
- Butternut or pumpkin gratin , to try with a touch of walnuts or comté cheese
- Moist carrot cake , but squash style! 🧁
Bonus tip: no need to peel the pumpkin, the skin becomes tender when cooked! For butternut squash, a good peeler works wonders.
Discover all our recipe ideas and comparisons for cooking butternut squash and pumpkin like a chef! And to help you achieve successful cooking results, take a look at our 2025 air fryer comparison : ideal for effortlessly browning squash cubes!
Frequently asked questions about squash season in France
Why is the squash season long in France?
Squash are harvested when ripe in the fall, but thanks to their thick skin, they can be stored for several months. This allows them to be eaten all winter long, even if the plant no longer grows. As a result, you can enjoy local squash until spring!
How to choose a ripe squash?
Choose a squash with hard, matte (never shiny) skin, without spots or cracks. It should feel heavy for its size and its stalk should be dry. This guarantees tasty flesh and good storage! 🎯
Which squashes should you choose for soup or gratin?
Pumpkin and butternut squash are perfect for creamy soups and mild gratins. Butternut squash adds more character, and spaghetti offers a light and original alternative!
Can you freeze French squash?
Yes! Dice the squash, blanch it for two minutes in boiling water, then drain and freeze flat. You can also freeze the squash puree for quick soups or autumn cakes.
Is squash local everywhere in France?
Almost! Squash is grown from north to south, particularly in the Loire Valley, Lorraine, Alsace, Provence, and the West. The important thing: choose French squash in season to limit your carbon footprint and enjoy the freshness.
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