How to Store Harvested Pumpkins and Squash

It ’s frustrative when your beautiful , homegrown veg start rotting before you ’ve had a chance to savor them . With the right storage methods , you ’ll be able to bask the fruits ( or veggies ! ) of your labor long after the grow time of year finish . Proper storage techniques can help you extend the life of your produce and foreclose them from spoiling .

Choose the Best Pumpkins and Squash

Pumpkins and squash are warm - time of year harvest that grow best in well - drained grunge with plenty of sunlight . They are typically ready to harvest in the fall , but the accurate timing will depend on the variety and your location . When choose the good Cucurbita pepo and crush for store , look for 1 liberal of blemishes , snap , or soft spots . The hide should be firm and complex , and the stem should be attach and dry . The pumpkin or squash may not fully age or store 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 harvesting your pumpkins and squash , handling them the right way is essential to ensure they last as long as possible . It ’s vital to houseclean them to dispatch any dirt or dust that could go to decline . However , avoid using water during this cleaning process is advisable , as supernumerary wet can lead to rot . Postharvest washing with H2O can escalate the likely risk of microbial contamination . A more suitable coming would be using a soft - bristled brush or fabric to wipe off any dirt or rubble gently .

Post-Harvest Curing

Curing is a process that help pumpkins and squash develop a hard rind , which allows them to resist decay . To cure your pumpkin vine and squash , place them in a warm , teetotal position with good air circulation . Ideal temperatures and relative humidness for curing are between 80 and 85 ° F with 75 to 80 percentage . lead them there for about ten day .

Inspect for Damage

Before lay in your Cucurbita pepo and squash , visit them for any signs of hurt , such as cuts , bruises , or sonant spots . These area are more prostrate to dilapidate and can quickly spread to the rest of the yield . If you notice any damage , use these fruits first or make out out the damage orbit before stash away them .

Storage Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for store pumpkins and squash is 50 ° and 60 ° F . If the temperature is too lovesome , the yield may begin to rot , while if it ’s too frigid , the fruit may become damaged or develop mould . Additionally , the comparative humidity should be between 50 % and 70 % in a well - ventilated area . This will help foreclose the fruit from dry out and becoming shrivel .

Store your pumpkins and crush in a coolheaded , ironic topographic point like a basement or garage to attain these condition . If you do n’t have a suitable storage area , you may buy a specialized storage container or use a cool room in your home .

Light Exposure

Pumpkins and squash vine should be stored in a dark area to forestall them from moulder or developing molding . Exposure to light can cause the fruit to break up down and baby more rapidly . If you ’re storing your pumpkin vine and squeeze in a way with windows , continue them with a material or paper bag to forget out any light .

Store in Shelves

Shelving is an excellent option for those with limited space but still want to store their pumpkins and squelch for an lengthy period . you may employ any shelving as long as it is sturdy enough to hold the free weight of the squash .

Store in Pallets

If you have a large space , pallets can expeditiously store your pumpkin and squelch . palette allow for more airflow around the squash vine , which can help forbid rotting .

Root Cellars

Root cellars have been used for centuries to store vegetables and fruits for the retentive full term . If you have a tooth root cellar usable , it can be an fantabulous option for maintain your pumpkins and squeeze . No matter which option you choose , on a regular basis check your pumpkins and mash for any signs of decompose or damage .

Preventing Rot and Mold

One of the most mutual issues with storing pumpkins and squelch is bunkum and mold . To forestall this , inspect your pumpkin and squash regularly and remove any signs of bunkum or mold . Keep your storage area well - ventilated and juiceless , as moisture can encourage modeling and rot emergence . If you do notice mould or moulder on your pumpkin vine or squash , you may be able to relieve them by cutting away the affected areas . However , if the mold or rot has spread too far , it may be best to throw out the affected fruit .

Shrinking and Softening

Another vulgar issue with lay in autumn pumpkin and squash is shrinking and softening . This can be stimulate by various factors , let in improper curing , improper depot conditions , or only aging . Properly cure your pumpkins and squash before store them to prevent shrinking and softening . If your pumpkin or squash have already take off to shrink or weaken , there may not be much you’re able to do to salvage them .

However , you may be able-bodied to extend their shelf lifetime by moving them to a more relaxed storage area or by wrapping them in plastic to assist hold wet .

Discoloration

discolouration is another uncouth upshot with stored pumpkins and squash . This can be due to exposure to illumination or improper storage conditions . put in your autumn pumpkin and crush in a dark , cool position to forestall discoloration . forefend stack them too closely together , as this can trap heat and moisture and lead to discoloration .

If your pumpkins or squelch have already started to discolor , you may be able to scavenge them by trim down away the unnatural areas . However , if the discoloration has disseminate too far , it may be good to discard the moved yield .

Supply of Pumpkins All Year Round!

Remember to hold on your stored pumpkins and squash regularly . Discard any that show sign of spoiling or decay to keep them from contaminating the rest of your harvest . Proper store can help extend the shelf life of your autumn pumpkin and squash , but it ’s substantive to practice them before they go bad . Plenty of formula are available online if you ’re looking for creative ways to practice your stored pumpkins and squash .

From pumpkin pie to roasted squash , there are interminable opening . you may use theseedsto make a tasty bite or add them to your favorite trail mix . Do n’t forget to save some cum for next year ’s crop ! Adequately stored seeds can remain practicable for several year , so you may stay to raise your pumpkins and squeeze for twelvemonth to come .

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