How to Store Butternut Squash

Butternut squash vegetable with a hard orange rind and soft inner flesh. It is typically eaten after it is roasted, steamed or grilled because the heat further softens its flesh and gives it a rich, silky texture. If you grow or purchase fresh butternut squash, you do not have to rush to consume it immediately. Proper storage techniques will preserve whole butternut squash for up to 7 days; peeled and chopped squash is edible for up to 3 days. It even stores well in the freezer.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic food storage bags
• Butternut squash
• Airtight container
• Vegetable peeler
• Knife
• 3 cups water
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Bowl
• Refrigerator

Instructions

Refrigerator

1. Place a whole butternut squash into a plastic food storage bag that is large enough to completely cover the entire surface of the vegetable. Squeeze out any extra air in the bag and secure it shut tightly.

2. Transfer the squash into your refrigerator's vegetable drawer or another cool, dark place in the refrigerator. Store the whole, covered squash in the refrigerator for up to 7 days for the best results.

3. Add any peeled or chopped pieces of butternut squash into a food storage bag or other airtight container. Keep the container of butternut squash pieces in your refrigerator's vegetable drawer for no longer than three days before consuming.

Freezer

1. Drag a vegetable peeler across the outside of the squash to remove all of the outer rind, then discard the peels. Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes or smaller.

2. Fill a large pot on your stovetop with 3 cups of water. Set the temperature to "high" and heat until the water is bubbling. Transfer the squash pieces into the water and boil them for about seven minutes or until they are slightly softened.

3. Remove the butternut squash pieces with a slotted spoon and place them into a bowl. Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher, then let it sit until it comes down to room temperature. Scoop the mashed squash into a freezer food storage bag or other airtight container, leaving at least 1/2-inch space between the bag opening and the squash.

4. Place the mashed squash into your freezer. Keep it frozen for up to 6 months before thawing and cooking.

Tips & Warnings

• If you purchase your butternut squash from the grocery store, wrap it in at least two plastic produce bags for extra protection during storage, especially if it is a larger squash.

• Thawed mashed butternut squash can be stirred into pastas, cheese sauces or soups to add a creamy texture and sneak in a vegetable.

• Never purchase butternut squash that has any soft spots or dark colored areas--these signs indicate the butternut squash is already starting to go bad and will not last as long, even with proper storage.

• Do not freeze whole butternut squash or diced pieces if possible because they may start to lose their shape during the freezing process.

References

• Fine Cooking Magazine: Butternut Squash
• National Center for Home Food Preservation: Freezing Squash