Butternut squash is a beloved vegetable for its sweet, nutty flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you grow it yourself or buy it fresh from a local farmer’s market, knowing when to pick butternut squash is key to enjoying it at its best. Picking too early or too late can affect taste, texture, and how long it will keep. So, how do you know when to pick butternut squash? Let’s dive into the signs and tips that will help you harvest your squash perfectly every time.
Why Timing Matters When Picking Butternut Squash
Butternut squash typically takes between 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvesting at the right time ensures:
– Optimal flavor and texture: Fully matured squash develops a creamy, sweet flesh. Picked too early, it can taste bland and watery; too late, it might become fibrous or off-flavored.
– Higher sugar content: The natural sugars increase as the squash ripens, giving it that delicious sweetness.
– Better storage life: Mature squash stores longer, allowing you to enjoy it for months after harvest.
Knowing when to pick is a balance of patience and observation, but it’s easier than you think once you know what to look for.
Key Signs Your Butternut Squash Is Ready to Pick
1. Color Change
One of the easiest ways to tell if your butternut squash is ready is by its color. Immature squash usually has a greenish tint or green stripes. As it ripens, the skin changes to a uniform tan or beige color with no green streaks. Some varieties may show subtle bronze or orange highlights, but the overall color should be solid and deep.
2. Hard Skin
The skin of a mature butternut squash is tough and resistant to puncture. You can test this by pressing your fingernail into the rind—if it leaves a mark or breaks the skin, the squash needs more time. When ready, the skin will be hard enough that your nail won’t leave a dent. The skin also tends to lose its shine and looks duller when fully mature.
3. Drying and Browning Stem
Check the stem attached to the squash. When the squash is ripe, the stem will start to dry out, turn brown, and become corky or woody. A green, supple stem means the squash is still growing and not ready to pick. The drying stem indicates the vine has stopped feeding nutrients to the fruit, signaling maturity.
4. Dried Tendrils Near the Fruit
Look at the tendrils near the stem of the squash. When the squash is ready, these tendrils will be brown, dry, and brittle. If they are still green and flexible, the squash likely needs more time on the vine.
5. Vines Dying Back
Often, the entire vine will begin to yellow, shrivel, and die back as the squash reaches maturity. This is a natural sign that the plant’s energy is shifting away from fruit growth and that it’s time to harvest.
When to Harvest: Timing Tips
– Days to maturity: Use the seed packet as a general guide for days to harvest (usually 90-120 days), but remember weather and growing conditions can speed up or slow down the process.
– Before frost: Always harvest your butternut squash before the first heavy frost. Frost can damage the fruit and reduce its storage life. If frost is imminent, pick the squash even if it’s not fully mature to prevent loss.
– Harvest window: Once the squash shows the signs above, it can be harvested anytime before frost. You don’t have to pick it the moment it’s ripe, but don’t wait too long either.
How to Harvest Butternut Squash Properly
– Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the squash from the vine.
– Leave about 2 inches (5 cm) of stem attached to the fruit to help prevent rot during storage.
– Handle squash carefully to avoid bruising or cutting the skin, which can shorten shelf life.
After Harvest: Curing and Storing
To maximize storage life, cure your squash by placing it in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area (around 80-85°F or 27-29°C) for about 10 days. This process hardens the skin and heals minor cuts.
Store cured squash in a cool, dry place (50-55°F or 10-13°C) with good air circulation. Properly cured and stored butternut squash can last for several months.
Picking butternut squash at the right time is simple when you know what to look for: a deep tan color, hard skin, dried stems and tendrils, and dying back vines. Watch these signs, harvest before frost, and enjoy the sweet, creamy flavor of your homegrown or freshly bought butternut squash all season long!