How do I know when my acorn squash is ready to pick?

Hello! I’m Emily, a 23-year-old gardening enthusiast. Today I’m here to share my experience about how to identify ripe acorn squash, the signs of overripe squash, the best harvesting methods, and how to store them. Follow these tips to tell when it’s time to pick your acorn squash and avoid spoilage.

Knowing when your acorn squash is ripe and ready to be picked can be tricky. Fortunately, there are several ways you can tell if it’s time to pick your acorn squash. One of the easiest ways is by noting its color. A matured or ripe acorn will turn green then the portion of the squash that sits on the ground should turn orange. Additionally, the stem should be brown and dry, and the skin should have a glossy look.

Another way to tell if your acorn squash is ready to pick is by counting the days since planting. Most varieties of acorn squash are ready to be harvested 75-100 days after planting the seeds.

Finally, you can also check for a patch of yellow or orange on the underside of an acorn squash – this indicates that it’s ripe and ready to be picked!

By following these tips, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to pick your acorn squash!

Identifying Ripe Acorn Squash

Acorn squash can be tricky to tell when they’re ripe. Look for a deep orange spot on the underside, that’s one clue. There are more too – let’s find out what they are!

Look for a deep orange spot on the bottom of the squash

When autumn arrives, it’s time to harvest acorn squash all over the US. It has a unique shape – flat top and bulbous body. To identify ripe acorn squash, look for an orange spot or an entirely orange color on the bottom. A deep orange spot is an indicator of peak ripeness. The squash should be firm with bright green ridges and stem. Gently squeeze it – if it’s too soft, it means it’s overripe. If the whole bottom is orange, that means it’s over-ripe. The starch inside will have broken down, resulting in loss of flavor or sweetness when cooked.

To get tasty acorn squash from your garden, look for the following signs of proper ripeness:

• Flat top and bulbous body
• Orange spot or an entirely orange color on the bottom
• Deep orange spot is an indicator of peak ripeness
• Firm with bright green ridges and stem

Check the stem for signs of dryness

Check the stem of the acorn squash. If it’s dry and thin, it’s ready to harvest! Inspect the base too. If you see deep orange spots, the squash is overripe. These spots mean that sugar content has stopped, and fiber’s breaking down.

If you spot soft or wet spots, or a foul odor, this may mean the squash has rot. Monitor for disease and rot to avoid problems when harvesting acorn squash.

Gently press the skin to check for firmness

To check for ripeness, press gently on the skin of the acorn squash. If it gives a bit, it’s ready to be picked! Look for a deep orange spot facing the ground. This means it’s ripe and ready to enjoy.

Mostly orange color could be an indication that it’s overripe. Any yellowish spots mean softening or bruising. If you see any damage or soft sections, leave it on the vine longer or remove it immediately.

Signs of Overripe Acorn Squash

Knowing when your acorn squash is ripe is a must! Signs of overripe squash can be confusing. It all depends on how long it’s been on the vine. Knowing what to look for is key.

Here are the common signs of overripe acorn squash:

• Soft, mushy skin
• Dark green to yellowish color
• A sweet, nutty aroma
• Rounded shape

The entire squash is orange

Do not eat an overripe acorn squash, as the taste will be bad. To know if it’s overripe, look for a soft rind, dull and cracked surface, opened stem/blossom end, or black spots. Slightly underripe fruits can be harvested later. But once an acorn squash has a deep orange coloring, harvest it fast to avoid loss of nutrients.

The stem is cracked or broken

The stem of an overripe acorn squash is a key sign. You can see it crack or break away from the main body over time. Harvest it right away to prevent any loss of edible produce.

You can tell how ripe the squash is by the stem. If it’s green, then it’s ready to be harvested. But if it’s cracking or breaking away and turning dark, then it’s almost rotten and needs to be harvested right away.

The skin is soft when pressed

To check if an acorn squash is ripe, feel it with your thumb or forefinger. It should be slightly soft but still firm. An ideal squash will have a slightly more orange color on the spot facing the ground. It should feel heavy for its size and have a glossy, even-textured skin with few blemishes.

If the surface of your acorn squash looks dull or has many blemishes, it might be overripe or under-ripe. Visible cracks in overripe acorn squash indicate that they are past their prime and not suitable for eating. Harvest all the acorn squash around the same time to ensure even ripening.

Harvesting Acorn Squash

Harvesting acorn squash is a fun, rewarding journey! Monitor and pay attention closely. That way, you can pick when the time’s just right! This article covers how to tell when your acorn squash is ready. Plus, it explains the best harvesting methods.

Cut the stem at least 1 inch above the squash

Harvest acorn squash when the skin is hard and a deep golden-brown. The stem should be dry, tough, and hard to puncture. Cut the stem one inch above the squash. When picking up or moving, do it gently. You’ll see a pale orange spot if it’s ripe. This shows where it rested on the ground.

• If you want smaller squashes, harvest before this spot appears.
• If the squash is orange all over, it is overripe.
• Cut off any mushy spots and discard rotting parts.
• Overripe squash will be less sweet than freshly harvested. However, they still make delicious meals!

Use a sharp knife or garden shears

Harvest acorn squash with a sharp knife or garden shears. Look for a deep orange spot facing the ground. It means it’s ripe. If it’s fully orange, it’s overripe.

1. Hold the stem and twist gently to separate from the plant.
2. Clip away any stems that are entangled in the squash. Don’t pull the stem.
3. Inspect for pests and wash lightly.
4. Then cook or store for future use.

Handle the squash gently to avoid bruising

When harvesting acorn squash, handle them gently. They are fragile and can bruise easily. They do not ripen after picked. Check for a deep orange spot on its skin facing the ground. This indicates maturity. Fully orange ones are overripe and should be discarded.

Pull off rather than cut the squash, to protect the vine. Wear gloves to avoid contact with any defense-related chemicals the vine may have released.

Storing Acorn Squash

Choose an acorn squash! Now, you must store it correctly. If not, it can become spoiled and be wasted. Here we will discuss the best way to save the acorn squash. Keep it from spoiling!

• Store the acorn squash in a cool, dry place.
• Do not store it in the refrigerator.
• Check it regularly for signs of spoilage, such as soft spots or mold.
• If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard the squash immediately.

Store squash in a cool, dry place

Handle your harvested acorn squash delicately, as its outer skin can bruise or puncture easily. Wipe the squash with a damp cloth to remove dirt from its surface.

Store it in a cool, dark, and dry area with good air circulation. The ideal temperature is between 55°-70°F (13°-21°C). Leave enough space between each squash for air to flow. Acorn squash can last for weeks if stored properly.

Do not store near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas; this accelerates ripening and causes the squash to spoil quickly. Refrigeration is also not advised as cold temperatures lead to flavor loss and make the flesh of the acorn squash taste bland.

Make sure to check on your stored acorn squash regularly. If any soft spots or other spoilage signs are seen, discard it immediately as it will not be safe for consumption.

Wrap the squash in a paper bag or newspaper

Secure acorn squash in a paper bag, newspaper, or cloth bag. This will help keep moisture, limit exposure to air, and maintain freshness for up to two weeks. Keep the bags in a cool spot and far from direct sunlight – for best results.

Remember! Acorn squash ripens after it is picked. Look for a pumpkin or squash with an orange spot facing down – greenish-yellow instead of entirely orange. If you press lightly with your thumb and it gives – it’s ripe. If not, it needs more time on the vine.

Squash can be stored for up to two months

Acorn squash can be stored up to two months, with proper care. Put the squash in a cool, dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is 45–55°F (7–13°C). Never let the temperature drop below 35°F (1.6°C), or it will spoil quickly.

Wrap the squash in newspaper and store it in cardboard boxes or bins. Or, place it directly on shelves, to allow air circulation. Don’t keep acorn squash for more than two months, as it may lose quality and develop mold or discoloration. Best to use fresh harvest soon!

Sources

• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/how-and-when-to-pick-acorn-squash.htm
• https://www.epicgardening.com/when-to-pick-acorn-squash/
• https://homeguides.sfgate.com/tell-acorn-squash-ripe-ready-picked-32243.html