Discover the Best Ways to Store Butternut Squash for Long-Lasting Freshness Throughout Fall and Beyond

Butternut squash is a wonderfully adaptable fall ingredient, perfect for everything from pureeing into soup, roasting as a savory side dish, or adding flavor to pasta dishes and grain bowls. While the uniquely shaped gourd might seem a bit challenging to cut, slice, and prepare, there's no reason to be intimidated. What makes it even better is that butternut squash is a hardy fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) that can last a long time when stored properly. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy it anytime you crave it and save money while you're at it.

When selecting butternut squash at the grocery store, aim to buy it during its prime season (from fall through winter), when it may even be discounted. Choose a squash with a firm, matte skin (avoid shiny ones) and a light tan to orange hue. It should feel heavy for its size and have a brown stem. While minor scratches and blemishes are normal, steer clear of squashes with soft spots, deep bruises, or cuts. Once you've picked the perfect squash, there are various ways to store it to maintain its freshness, depending on your culinary needs.

How to Properly Store Whole Butternut Squash

Storing a whole butternut squash is quite simple—just remember to give it a wash first. Clinical Nutritionist Tara Coleman suggests keeping the squash in a cool, dark area, and it will stay fresh longer if you avoid peeling it. If stored in a cool, dark spot like a well-ventilated pantry, cellar, or basement, butternut squash can last up to three months. However, the location is key. "Avoid storing butternut squash near apples, as the ethylene gas they emit can accelerate spoilage," says Coleman. This applies to pears, avocados, and tomatoes as well.

How to Store Cut Butternut Squash

We understand that cutting up butternut squash in advance is a huge time-saver for meal prep. However, once the squash is cut and peeled, storage guidelines change. At this point, it should be placed in the refrigerator in an airtight food storage container or a well-sealed plastic bag. When stored this way, the butternut squash should stay fresh for about three to four days.

How to Freeze Butternut Squash

If you have leftover butternut squash that you want to keep fresh for several months, consider freezing it. Freezing butternut squash requires a bit more preparation, but it’s a great way to have this versatile fruit available all year round. To freeze butternut squash, follow these steps:

1. Wash the butternut squash by gently scrubbing it with a vegetable brush under cool running water.
2. Trim both ends of the squash and peel it using a vegetable peeler.
3. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
4. Cut the squash into your preferred size. We recommend bite-sized cubes for versatility in various recipes.
5. Flash freeze the pieces by spreading them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and placing them in the freezer for one hour.
6. After the squash is frozen, remove it from the freezer and transfer the pieces to a labeled freezer-safe container or plastic bag with the date and contents noted.

Frozen butternut squash can last in the freezer for up to a year, according to Coleman. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within six to eight months. If you’re wondering if frozen squash needs special preparation before cooking, don’t worry. “Butternut squash can be cooked as usual after freezing, but for optimal results, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator,” Coleman advises. Once thawed, use it in soups, sauces, or smoothies, or roast it in the oven or air fryer.

How Long Does Butternut Squash Last

Generally, whole butternut squash can last for two to three months when stored in a cool, dark place. You can even use whole squash as a decorative centerpiece (just avoid placing it in direct sunlight or in a warm area), and then later incorporate it into soups, salads, or pasta dishes.

Once you cut butternut squash, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, if you'd like to extend its shelf life to about six to eight months (or even longer), peel and chop the squash, then store the pieces in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you refrigerate raw butternut squash?

  Yes, you can refrigerate raw butternut squash, and it’s important to refrigerate it once it has been cut. However, Clinical Nutritionist Tara Coleman points out that cut butternut squash will only last for three to four days in the fridge, so be sure to use it up quickly.

• How long will butternut squash last on the counter?

  In general, whole butternut squash can last on the counter for two to three months. However, this time frame is reduced if the squash is exposed to heat and humidity, or placed in direct sunlight. For the best results, store it in a cool, dark location.

• Should you wash butternut squash before storing?

  Yes, washing butternut squash before storing and cooking is recommended to preserve its freshness. According to Coleman, washing the exterior helps remove microorganisms that contribute to spoilage.