I Grew Acorn Squash. Now What?

Welcome to my "now what?" series. This is part of my Food Storage Prepping in the Garden collection to help you better understand what you are growing and how to use your harvest.

Acorn squash is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes pumpkin, butternut squash, and zucchini.

TABLE QUEEN ACORN SQUASH

Acorn squash has a rich, nutty to sweet, orange flesh. You can also toast the seeds just like pumpkin seeds.

Winter squash are versatile, nutritious, and can store for months.

ACORN SQUASH SEEDS

From seed to harvest, most Acorn squash varieties mature around 80-100 days. For Table Queen Acorn squash, the best indicators of ripeness is a deep green, dull skin color (with a dark orange spot on the ground side). For Acorn squash ripeness, another indicator is a hard rind that resists fingernail scratches.

Harvest squash before your hard frost. If your squash has been exposed to a frost, use them as soon as possible.

To Properly "Cure" and Store Acorn Squash

After harvesting, let Acorn squash sit in a dry, well-ventilated, sunny area for only 1-2 weeks to harden the skin slightly.

Acorn Squash does not need to be cured in a warm environment like other winter squash varieties

Move Acorn squash to a cool and dry location with plenty of airflow. Store the squash off the floor in a box or crate. A storage shelf with a flat shelf will also do the trick. Some sources suggest straw bedding to keep the squashes from touching.

Inspect winter squash weekly for damage or signs of shriveling. If you find damaged squash, use these first. Remove any rotting or moldy fruits immediately.

HOW TO USE ACORN SQUASH

My favorite way to eat acorn squash is stuffed with delicious meats/veggies/herbs and then baked.

Another option is sliced in half then drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with your favorite SWEETS (honey) or SAVORY (rosemary and thyme).

Gill's Golden Pippen Acorn Squash is the perfect "mini" acorn squash for a meal-for-one.