Squash is a hearty fall andwinter vegetablethat tastes swell in awide range of dishes . The problem is if you ’ve been blessed this class with a enceinte , previous - season harvest . You might be looking at your bounty and wondering how in the human race you ’re going to eat it before it hold up uncollectible . Luckily , there ’s a way to serve your seasonal squash vine last longer , and it does n’t want special equipment or a lot of sweat .
It may fathom too good to be true , but it ’s a really easy and effective procedure . All you have to do is cure your squash vine . Not sure how it works or how to get set about ? You ’re in the veracious stead because we have all the solvent to help you discover how to cure and store squelch .
How and when should you harvest squash?
Harvest times motley depending on thevariety of squashyou’re maturation , when it was planted , andwhat climate you live in . Generally mouth , though , your squash vine should be ready for harvest home during the fall . September and October are the most distinctive harvest time calendar month for squash . Any wintertime squash you design on lay in should be glean before the first frosts of the year , as frost - damaged vegetables do n’t keep well .
Step 1 : Check for squash adulthood .
Mature squash will have the coloring associate with the type of squash vine you ’re develop . calculate for any spots that are uncharacteristically pale or green . The skin should also be severe enough that a gentle thump or flick should n’t leave alone a mark , although a harder pressure may still allow for a bruise .
pace 2 : Harvest the squash rackets .
reap your squash with a sharp knife or pair of garden shears . Clip the mature yield off the vine , leaving a few inches of base confiscate to the squash . contract the stem turn too short can go to inadvertent plant damage , result in a forgetful ledge liveliness .
How should you best store uncured squash?
Not all squeeze is right for curing , but you’re able to still extend the shelf life by a few months just by stash away it aright .
Step 1 : The first footmark is to recognize when squash is not idealistic for bring around .
Inspect your squash cautiously after harvesting it , and place to the side any squash that ’s damaged , not fully ripe , or that has a fragile , soft peel . small , more delicate crush like acorn and delicata squash can be cure , but it may develop textural issues that make them less appealing to eat .
whole tone 2 : Store the squash vine in a dark , cool room . A dryer room is better , especially for squash that will be salt away for foresightful periods .
Step 3 : quash wash your squash racquets until you ’re ready to eat it so that it is n’t going into storage with moist skin . Washing crush with soft skin can also result in minor abrasions , which can cause it to spoil faster .
Step 4 : Squash stored this fashion , without being cure , can last three to four calendar month . Damaged squash vine should be eaten first , as it tends to last only a month or two .
How to cure squash
Curing is a form of preserving things by partly dry out them . For squash , this means drying and harden the outside while leaving the interior moist and delectable .
Step 1 : mildly make clean the Sir Robert Peel with a dry , soft fabric , paper towel , or sportsmanlike sponge . Take a moment to inspect your squash good for any damage .
Step 2 : Set your squash racquets in a warm , sunny locating and check that the vegetables do n’t overlap or breathe in the tail of another squash .
Curing can be done inside or alfresco , but keep an eye on the atmospheric condition if you settle to cure your squash racquets outside . check that it ’s in full sunshine or as close to full sun as possible . cure is most effective when the temperature is still ardent , with low humidness and decent airflow . However , this can be hard to achieve during nightfall and winter , so you may see unspoiled results curing squash indoors .
Step 3 : Rotate your squash on occasion so that every side drop clock time in the Lord’s Day .
whole tone 4 : The squash rackets typically will take five to 10 Day to heal . small squash will cure more quickly , and big squash will take a little longer .
How do you know squash is cured, and how long will it keep?
A properly cured squash can last for five or six month and can be stored in any dry , nerveless berth . First , though , you ’ll need to make certain the squash is properly cure .
Step 1 : Squash that ’s properly cured will have a harder peel than uncured squash vine . you could use the fingernail trial to judge the hardness . mildly but firmly squeeze the bound of your fingernail into the peel . An uncured squash rackets will bruise , while a cured one will not .
Step 2 : sample the fingernail test before you begin curing , and try out it again once you think the set is complete . There should be a noticeable conflict in the peel grain .
By curing your squash , you’re able to have sweet , scrumptious squashthroughout wintertime . With this simple process , you do n’t have to concern about buy squash to live up to your craving for hearty wintertime squash soup . Instead , make your homegrown mash supply last for month longer than they otherwise would by curing them in the sun before store them .
