Butternut squash is a delicious vegetable quite commonly used in many recipes. It has wide applications as a lovely vegetable that finds its place in gravies and smoothies. It is also believed to have a longer shelf life when compared to all other types of vegetables.
When we often preserve butternut squash, we tend to forget how it has been sitting on the shelf or if it is good enough to be used by any chance.
Butternut squash lasts in a cool pantry for 2 months. Freezing the butternut squash can extend its shelf life up to 12 months. However, freezing generally requires cutting and slicing the vegetable or even cooking it a little bit.
Refrigerating the butternut squash is not highly recommended unless you pack it in tight food wrap where there is no possibility of air intrusion. Peeled butternut squash could be a better option as it would last in the fridge by maintaining the moisture intact.
This article will be a detailed guideline to determine how long you can keep a butternut squash and how carefully you must abide by the storage protocols. It will also elaborate on how you can extend its shelf life without any arduous effort.
Does Butternut Squash Go Bad?
Butternut squash definitely goes bad, without any doubt. It is a moist vegetable that keeps well only if you store it properly.
You cannot keep butternut squash together for weeks and expect it to retain quality at best. It would have been rotten or spoiled by then without any save. Using it could induce lots of risk and danger, which will eventually tamper with your health as well.
How Long Does Butternut Squash Last?
Butternut squash will retain quality if stored at room temperature, maintained at 50 to 59 degrees F. It would last for 2 to 3 months in that case.
A cool pantry is definitely a better place to store butternut squash. However, you have to evaluate the condition of the butternut squash when you buy it initially. Since it may need to be fresh enough for you to retain that amount of time.
Peeled butternut squash lasts in the fridge for 3 to 5 days max. It has a very short shelf life.
Freezing the butternut squash is the best option to elongate the shelf life to a large extent. If there is a constant temperature in the freezer, then the butternut squash will last forever.
Okay, maybe not forever. But you can actually store it in the freezer for up to 6 or 12 months straight.
How To Store Butternut Squash?
If you have to store the butternut squash for a long time, then you have to maintain a steady temperature that does not undergo any fluctuations. This is not a very conducive temperature you can easily maintain in households.
Below are the rules you have to follow actually to extend the shelf life
- The squash should not be wrapped in a plastic or paper bag.
- Keep the squash in a dry place where there is no access for moisture or wetness to intrude.
- The squash cannot be scattered in the ground.
- Make sure you preserve it in a clean place with no dirt or spoiled fruits nearby. The dirt from the neighboring spoiled vegetables could attract the butternut squash, making it completely sour and spoiled.
- The room needs to be well-ventilated if you are bent on storing the butternut squash at room temperature.
Can Butternut Squash Be Refrigerated?
Butternut squash can be refrigerated if it is peeled or slightly cooked. It has to be tightly wrapped in an airtight container or a plastic cover where air intrusion is impossible.
However, there are better places to store the butternut squash than the fridge, as the moisture could actually turn the squash slightly soggy. If you are planning to shove it in the fridge, make sure you cook it faster.
Can You Freeze Butternut Squash?
We all know that butternut squash is a seasonal fruit that is not easily available in winter and autumn. We may want to enjoy it for the whole year, but we are unlucky to get it only during summer.
The best solution to eat butternut squashes throughout the year is freezing them. It will have a longer shelf life and will be able to quench your temptation at any time you want.
If you are freezing butternut squash, try cooking it and freezing it. This way, the butternut squash will retain moisture, making thawing easier and less messy.
Butternut squash can be frozen in airtight freezer bags or sealed containers to avoid freezer burns. When you have to use the frozen butternut squash, transfer the contents to the fridge and let it thaw for some time.
The butternut squash cannot be exposed to any drastic temperature fluctuations.
Signs To Identify That Butternut Squash Has Turned Bad
Some spoilage signs of butternut squash are evident and appear to our eyes very prominently. Let us classify those signs for you so you can be sure when it has turned bad.
1. Appearance
The skin of the butternut squash will originally have a shine to it that is very attractive. However, spoiled butternut squash will look dull and soggy to our eyes.
Butternut squash will have an even color all over. If you find any spots on the surface of the butternut squash, then it is good enough to be tossed out.
2. Touch
Give a feel on the surface of the butternut squash, and if it has softened up, it has to be thrown out. If it is light, it may have lost all its moisture and is completely rendered useless.
3. Inspect The Layers
Sometimes there may not be any visible signs on the surface. The inner flesh would have gotten damaged beyond bounds. If you see spots in the inner layers, they cannot be consumed or used in recipes.
Some spots may be in some places, while others will be good to use. Cut and discard the spoiled piece and use the good flesh that can be rendered useful.
4. Cooked Butternut Squash
Cooked pieces of butternut squash will start radiating an off smell that will be more repulsive enough to be discarded immediately. It cannot be used because the skin and layers would have spoiled.
How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash should be evaluated when you buy it in the shop. It should be spotless and have bright skin to indicate freshness. It should be firm enough for us to handle it strongly.
If it has softened up, then there is a chance that you possess an already spoiled butternut squash.
The stem of the butternut squash should not be cut so close.
You should allow the stem to remain until you are going to use the vegetable as a whole. If you cut the stem too close and expose the flesh, it will immediately turn bad with probable attacks of microbes or bacteria.
Butternut squash, while buying, should weigh more. It should feel heavy and slightly sturdy. If it loses weight or indicates a loss of heaviness, then it is in the process of turning bad.
All the above factors will determine that you have a fresh piece of butternut squash with you. If any of the bad signs start showing up, be ready to toss it out faster.
Conclusion
Butternut squash is an interesting vegetable that is quite commonly used in many tasty recipes. Many soups and stews are made with this, and it has a unique flavor to offer to the food item to which it is added.
However, it has to be a good and fresh butternut squash to enjoy the flavor of the recipe. The best thing to do is to buy the best vegetable in stock and try to extend its shelf life by maintaining the storage protocols to the maximum extent possible.
This article will be a clear elaboration on the same and will help you preserve the vegetable right and intact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does butternut squash go bad?
Butternut squash definitely goes bad, without any doubt. It is a moist vegetable that keeps well only if you store it properly. You cannot keep butternut squash together for weeks and expect it to retain quality at best. It would have been rotten or spoiled by then without any save. Using it could induce lots of risk and danger, which will eventually tamper with your health as well.
How long does butternut squash last?
Butternut squash will retain quality if stored at room temperature, maintained at 50 to 59 degrees F. It would last for 2 to 3 months in that case. A cool pantry is definitely a better place to store butternut squash. However, you have to evaluate the condition of the butternut squash when you buy it initially.
How to store butternut squash?
If you have to store the butternut squash for a long time, then you have to maintain a steady temperature that does not undergo any fluctuations. This is not a very conducive temperature you can easily maintain in households.
Can butternut squash be refrigerated?
Butternut squash can be refrigerated if it is peeled or slightly cooked. It has to be tightly wrapped in an airtight container or a plastic cover where air intrusion is impossible.
Can you freeze butternut squash?
The best solution to eat butternut squashes throughout the year is freezing them. It will have a longer shelf life and will be able to quench your temptation at any time you want. If you are freezing butternut squash, try cooking it and freezing it.
