How to Store Harvested Pumpkins and Squash

It ’s frustrating when your beautiful , homegrown veg start waste before you ’ve had a hazard to enjoy them . With the correct storage methods , you ’ll be able to enjoy the fruits ( or veggies ! ) of your labor long after the growing time of year end . right storage technique can help you extend the living of your produce and prevent them from spoil .

Choose the Best Pumpkins and Squash

Cucurbita pepo and squash are warm - season crops that farm best in well - drained soil with plenty of sunshine . They are typically quick to glean in the fall , but the exact timing will reckon on the variety and your localization . When pick out the best pumpkin vine and squeeze for storage , seem for ones free of defect , cracks , or soft smear . The hide should be steady and complex , and the stem should be attached and dry . The pumpkin or squash may not amply senesce or hive away well if the stem is still green .

You may also be concerned in this article : How to Choose the Best Pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch .

Post-Harvest Cleaning

After reap your pumpkins and squash , handle them properly is substantive to ensure they last as long as possible . It ’s life-sustaining to cleanse them to remove any stain or debris that could lead to decline . However , avoiding using piddle during this cleanup cognitive operation is advisable , as excess moisture can lead to rot . Postharvest washables with water supply can step up the potential risk of infection of microbic taint . A more desirable approach would be using a soft - bristled coppice or cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris gently .

Post-Harvest Curing

Curing is a process that helps pumpkin vine and squelch modernise a operose rind , which reserve them to resist decline . To cure your pumpkins and squeeze , set them in a ardent , dry locating with good air circulation . idealistic temperature and comparative humidity for curing are between 80 and 85 ° F with 75 to 80 percent . will them there for about ten day .

Inspect for Damage

Before storing your pumpkins and squash , inspect them for any signal of damage , such as cut , bruises , or piano spots . These areas are more prone to decay and can quickly spread to the rest of the fruit . If you mark any damage , utilize these fruits first or cut out the damage area before storing them .

Storage Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for storing pumpkins and squash is 50 ° and 60 ° F . If the temperature is too warm , the yield may begin to rot , while if it ’s too cold , the fruit may become damage or develop mold . Additionally , the relative humidity should be between 50 % and 70 % in a well - air out area . This will facilitate prevent the fruit from dry out out and becoming shrivel .

Store your pumpkin and squeeze in a cool , teetotal place like a cellar or garage to achieve these conditions . If you do n’t have a suitable memory expanse , you may purchase a specialised computer storage container or utilise a coolheaded room in your habitation .

Light Exposure

Pumpkins and squash should be put in in a dour domain to foreclose them from rotting or developing cast . pic to visible light can make the fruit to burst down and louse up more cursorily . If you ’re storing your pumpkins and crush in a room with windows , cover them with a cloth or paper pocketbook to obturate out any light .

Store in Shelves

Shelving is an fantabulous option for those with limited space but still want to store their pumpkin vine and squash for an drawn-out period . you may apply any shelving as long as it is stalwart enough to hold the free weight of the squash racquets .

Store in Pallets

If you have a larger space , pallets can expeditiously store your pumpkins and squash . Pallets allow for more air flow around the squash , which can help forestall rotting .

Root Cellars

theme cellars have been used for 100 to store vegetables and fruit for the farseeing term . If you have a root basement available , it can be an excellent option for keeping your pumpkin and squash . No matter which selection you pick out , regularly check your pumpkins and squash for any sign of the zodiac of rotting or damage .

Preventing Rot and Mold

One of the most mutual emergence with stack away pumpkins and squash is rotting and mold . To preclude this , inspect your pumpkins and squash on a regular basis and take away any signs of rot or mould . Keep your memory board sphere well - ventilated and dry , as moisture can encourage mould and rot ontogeny . If you do notice mold or rot on your autumn pumpkin or squelch , you may be able to salve them by slue away the affected arena . However , if the mold or rot has distribute too far , it may be just to discard the affected yield .

Shrinking and Softening

Another common issue with storing autumn pumpkin and squash is funk and softening . This can be due to various factor , including improper set , unlawful storage conditions , or simply mature . Properly heal your pumpkin and squelch before storing them to prevent reduce and softening . If your pumpkins or squash have already commence to shrink or buffer , there may not be much you could do to salvage them .

However , you may be able to extend their shelf life by moving them to a more relaxed storage area or by enfold them in plastic to help retain moisture .

Discoloration

Discoloration is another common issue with stored Cucurbita pepo and squash . This can be triggered by picture to visible light or unconventional storage conditions . Store your Cucurbita pepo and squash in a dark , cool place to preclude discoloration . Avoid stack them too closely together , as this can trap heat and wet and lead to discoloration .

If your pumpkins or squash have already start to discolor , you may be capable to relieve them by cut away the moved area . However , if the discoloration has spread too far , it may be best to discard the stirred yield .

Supply of Pumpkins All Year Round!

Remember to check on your stored pumpkins and squeeze on a regular basis . Discard any that show signs of spoilage or decay to keep them from pollute the rest of your harvest home . Proper storage can help unfold the shelf living of your pumpkins and crush , but it ’s essential to use them before they go bad . Plenty of recipes are available online if you ’re look for creative ways to use your stored pumpkins and squeeze .

From pumpkin pie to roasted squash , there are interminable possible action . you’re able to use theseedsto make a tasty collation or add them to your preferred trail mix . Do n’t bury to save some seeds for next year ’s harvest ! Adequately stash away seeds can remain viable for several eld , so you may continue to get your pumpkin and squash for years to come .

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