Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600153
10/13/97

### STORING SQUASH

     Summer  squash are usually not stored but can be  held  in

    the
    refrigerator in a plastic bag for about 2 weeks.

     Winter  squash  harvested without a stem  will  not  store

    well.
     Before being placed in the storage area,  the  fruits

    must
    be  cured.   The area used  for  curing  should  have a

    temperature
    of 75 to 80  degrees  Fahrenheit  and  good  air

    circulation.
     If  no  other  area  is  available,  place the

    squash
     near the  furnace.  Curing  will   harden  the rinds

    and
    help heal  wounds but not bruises.

     After curing, which takes about 2 weeks, store the  squash

    in
     a dry place at 55  to  60  degrees  Fahrenheit.  If  the

    temperature
     is  greater  than  60 degrees  Fahrenheit,  the

    squash
    will lose  moisture and become stringy.

     Acorn squash are not cured, but when stored  at  45  to 50

    degrees
     Fahrenheit,  will  keep  35  to  50 days.  If acorn

    squash
    are cured, they will dry out and become stringy.

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