Growing a beautiful harvest is one thing, but learning how to store your harvest is important too! Learn all about Winter Squash Storage, and how you can keep them for months!
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I have had so much fun growing a giant summer and winter squash patch this year! I designed and built my dream garden this spring {final update coming soon!} and here is a view across the squash and pumpkin patch.
It's getting cooler now and everything is starting to die back, but I have some excess acorn and spaghetti squash leftover I can't wait to preserve! Here is how I do it.
What is winter squash?
Winter squash are any squash that store well through the winter:
- Acorn squash
- Butternut squash
- Crooked-neck squash
- Hubbard squash
- Kabocha squash
- Pumpkins
These are some of my favorite squash varieties to grow because they do last so long. I love growing a garden, but my favorite part is preserving the harvest to enjoy all year long!
🌽 Storing winter squash and other long-lasting garden produce helps make the wintertime meals more exciting and definitely yummier! Cooking winter squash in the Instant Pot is an easy way to make meals all winter long.
Winter Squash Storage
Preparing winter squash for storage is really easy, but be sure to follow these steps so your squash lasts as long as possible! The best squash to store will be ones without any mars or blemishes on the surface, as those can let in bacteria which will encourage rot.
Cut squash off the vine, leaving 2-3 inches. If the stem breaks or is too short, that will allow moisture inside of the squash and encourage rot.
Gently wipe down the outside of the squash with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. This kills a lot of the bacteria on the outside of the squash that will encourage rot.
Leave squash out in a warm place with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks. This is called curing and, similar to preparing onions for storage, just lets the excess moisture escape the squash so it will last longer.
After the squash has cured, leave it in a cool, dark place for storage! You can use your pantry or cold storage area.
The squash should last for a month at least, usually much longer. If you notice any spotting on the squash, use that up right away.
There you have it! Another super easy way to preserve your harvest and make it last through the winter. If you need some other harvest and preservation ideas, check these out:
- How to harvest and freeze broccoli
- Quick and easy way to preserve tomatoes
- Best way to store zucchini
- How to harvest and store onions
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