Winter squashes, such as pumpkins or butternut squash, are extremely popular in cooking, especially when autumn arrives. They are used in all our seasonal dishes: cooked in soups, gratins, purees, cakes or even raw, in thin slices, in a crunchy salad. To do them justice in your autumn recipes, you still need to know how to preserve them.
No refrigerator
Unlike summer squashes like zucchini or pattypan squash, which are more fragile and must be eaten quickly, winter squashes are much more robust vegetables. Thanks to their thick skin, they can be stored for several months at room temperature. It is recommended to store them between 12 and 16 °C, which obviously excludes the refrigerator, which is too cold and humid for them.
How to store squash properly
Moisture is the main enemy of squash, so be careful not to place squash directly on a damp surface. Use furniture to raise them or place them on newspaper. To prevent one diseased vegetable from contaminating the others, space the squashes slightly apart so that they do not touch each other.
Take the time to inspect your squash every week and gently turn them over to check the condition of each side. This not only allows you to examine each part of the vegetable, but also prevents certain areas from remaining in prolonged contact with the surface.
With these tips, you should be able to enjoy your squash until next spring!
