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After reap wintertime mash , it ’s time to cure it — a process where the cutis toughens up to last longer in store . We ’ve also included a storage chart for all type of winter squash .
The first step is harvesting the squash . This tellswhen and how to plunk wintertime squash racquets .
Winter Squash Curing & Storage
For maximal flavor , wintertime squash is harvested when the fruit is fledged and has a nice - thick skin form . After picking , we “ heal ” the squash which both toughens up the skin for better storage while the starches start convert to sugars to make them unfeignedly delectable .
The three main species we grow are
There is an extensivelist of winter squashes and how long they last in storage here . .
How long winter squash lasts in store reckon entirely on the miscellanea and the experimental condition of the yield . loosely , the smaller the squash the shorter the storage time since they tend not to have those really tough , pumpkin - like hide to isolate them .
Acorn squashes are a in force example of a minor squash rackets that lasts just week in stale storage .
butternut tree tend to be giving and have much tougher hide and may keep for months right through until spring .
Use the tips below to cure your saucily harvested squashes and get them ready for months of roast veg and soups out front .
What ’s the difference between winter and summertime squash?Winter squash have harder skin and store for much longer periods of time . summertime squash ( zucchinis and more ) have thin , edible skins and should be consume before long after foot .
Contents
How to Cure Winter Squash
In the home garden the best way to heal winter squash is pluck the mature yield from the vine and then lay them out in a wry , sunny location for a week or two .
Ideally they soak up the sun in 80 to 85 ° F ( 26 to 29 ° hundred ) temperatures which will toughen up the skin and cure over any injury , making the squash prissy and quick for the longest storage possible .
When starting , devote aid to how soft the hide is by gently pressing it with your fingerbreadth . After curing , it will be tougher and less pliable .
During this metre the starch are also convert to dinero which significantly ameliorate the taste .
In the sunny locating , be sure to wrick the fruit daily so each part has direct sun pic .
If rainwater or inhuman is in the prognosis , use the best shelter location you have — even if it ’s on a gay windowsill in your house — for best termination . stale and moist conditions will slacken curing down .
If you have elbow room to do the total heal cognitive operation indoors , it may just take a week if it ’s fond and get off enough .
Once cured , the hide are nice and tough and any minor blemishes or cold shoulder may have healed . This is the time to them into cold storage .
Butternut crush is cured in a sunny , dry location at temperatures of 80 to 85 ° F or 26 to 29 ° C for just about two weeks . During the two - week period , the squash vine should be rotated to insure all portion are warm by the Dominicus . The yield is cure when the tegument is tougher and less pliable .
relate : The Right way of life to hive away Your Homegrown Potatoes
How to Store Winter Squash
Storage Tips
Winter squash should be piece at crest maturity . The days to maturity on your germ packet are one cue they may be quick .
When clean , always keep a few inches ofstemattached to the squash and use a sharp , clean-living tongue to make the cut ( no pulling or tearing ) .
Only storage squash that is damage - loose : no cuts , nicks , voiced spot , modeling . It should be very firm and unmarred .
neuter the hide with a whitener / water solvent ( 4 teaspoon bleach per quart of waterfor at least one minute ) and dry thoroughly to prevent mold .
I had to bug out doing this one year when gross , fuzzed stuff start appearing on foods in my insensate storage room .
Others may skim this step without a problem .
Sit the squash vine in adry , cheery touch for 10 daysor keep it in awarm room for 5 sidereal day . Then put it straight into coolheaded storage . The detailedcuring tipsare here .
Ideally , you have a storage room with table where you’re able to place the squash vine ( not affecting ) on newspaper - line shelves .
wintertime squelch needs the same cold storage conditions as most other foods we save for the winter include low humidity , good air circulation , and temperature stay in the grasp of10 - 15 ° vitamin C ( 50 - 60 ° F ) .
Put a reminder in your telephone to go visit your squash every few week .
Remove any that show signs of mould , fungus , or waste , and houseclean up after them with bleach solvent .
And , most importantly , start using them . It ’s time for squash spaghetti , soup , muffins , bread , and more .
The little and thinner - skinned winter squash have the shortest shelf living so use those up first .
Winter Squash Storage Times
There are three main coinage of winter squash .
Some diversity are open - pollinated ( OP ) . Others are loan-blend ( F1 ) .
The day to maturity are heel in bracket .
Storage times are general . ascertain your seed packet to confirm information .
Cucurbita pepo
2 calendar month maximum in cold depot
Smaller winter squashes include acorn squash do not lay in as well as larger , slurred - skinned varieties . Be sure to eat on them in the first month or two after harvest home .
Cucurbita maxima
4 to 6 calendar month maximal in frigid storage but some savour best after a shorter clip
Cucurbita moschata
4 to 6 month maximal in cold repositing
How To Roast Squash & Pumpkin Seeds
seminal fluid from wintertime squashes including Halloween pumpkin are comestible and best after roasting in the oven .
For more fall garden thought , be sure to grab your copy of theFall Garden Checklistfor handy reminders and helpful tips .
If you have leftover squash you wo n’t be eating , employ thesefun , no - carve ideasto dress them up as interior decoration before compost them .
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