It looks like fall is last come in , and that think of it will presently be time to lay in squelch for wintertime . Depending on the assortment , wintertime squashcan keep for week or months , allow you to eat on from your garden well into winter .
For the good computer memory , reap squash when they are fully mature — with lush gloss on the part of the squash exposed to the sunshine and a rind that is hard to pierce with your fingernail . Cut the squash off of the vine using a tongue or pruner , leaving an in or more of stem on the squash rackets . You do n’t want to circumstantially pierce the squash as that can lead to rot . Many nurseryman then cure the squash , either leaving them outside to heal in the Dominicus or putting them in a place with warm ( 80 academic degree ) temperature and eminent humidness . ( Not all squelch require heal . match outthis helpful chartfor mash curing and storage multiplication . ) If your squash vine is a bit under - mature , I ’ve chance you canbring them in the houseand allow them ripen and cure in a sunny spot .
In your great - granny ’s time , root cellarswere cool but not freezing area , normally under the home . They were pure for storing squash ! While many finished basements today are too warm for storing squash , thereare ways to create stem - cellar spacesin a modern domicile .
squelch store best in space that are ironical ( humidity under 70 percentage , which should be no problem in our dry Minnesota abode ) and cool . The idealistic temperature is 50 to 55 degrees , though I had good luck store wintertime squash in an unfinished basement where the temporary were often in the low 60 . They also wish it dark .
Store squash off of the floor , rather in a container with air circulation — a Milk River crate or wire storage drawer ferment great . It should not be stored near fruit , such as apples or pear that pass off ethylene gas that conduct to rot . You could also wipe the skin of the squash racquets with a 10 per centum whitener solution to keep decompose at bay . Once your squash vine is in storage , crack it weekly and use it regularly ! If it start to develop soft spots , it ’s time to misrepresent it off .
If you have Deepfreeze space , wangle squash stores really well stock-still . Just make and mash the squash , store it in air travel - tight container or bag , and use it in parched goods , ascendent veg mashes or other dishes . Winter squeeze , especially the sweet butternut type , can be exchange for pumpkin in any scorched good .
How was your wintertime squash harvest this twelvemonth ?
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