Determining the ripeness of the spaghetti squash is very important, a ripe spaghetti squash can be stored longer and will have the best flavor. In this article, we will explain how and when to harvest spaghetti squash correctly.
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash and when cooked its flesh resembles spaghetti. This squash has a slightly sweet flavor and combines very well with other foods. It is very important to harvest spaghetti squash at the right time to get the best flavor and also to be able to store the spaghetti squash for a longer period.
Spaghetti Squash Varieties
There is a wide variety of spaghetti squash that you can grow in your garden. Not all of these varieties of spaghetti squash ripen in the same number of days, some ripen in 75 days and others in 100 days. These are the varieties of spaghetti squash:
- Tivoli Spaghetti Squash
- Vermicelli Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash Heirloom Variety
- Primavera Spaghetti Squash
- Small Wonder Spaghetti Squash
- Sugaretti Spaghetti Squash
- Stripetti Spaghetti Squash
- Orangetti Spaghetti Squash
- Goldetti Spaghetti Squash
- Hasta la Pasta Spaghetti Squash
- Pinnacle Spaghetti Squash
- Angel Hair Spaghetti Squash
- Unique PMT Hybrid Winter Squash
For example, the Orangetti variety of spaghetti squash is the fastest maturing variety, and in only 75 days Orangetti spaghetti squash can be harvested. On the other hand, the Goldetti variety of spaghetti squash takes between 100 and 120 days to mature, so one must be more patient if growing this spaghetti squash.
Whichever variety of spaghetti squash you decide to grow, the tips we’ll give you on when to harvest spaghetti squash will serve you well. Read the seed package for the days to full maturity for the variety of spaghetti squash you select, and then follow the tips below on when to harvest spaghetti squash.
- Beautiful -- Large premium packets of Spaghetti Winter Squash. A delicious meal from the garden. Minimum of 5g per packet.
- Productive -- Vines typically produce several 3-4 pound fruits. Stores exceptionally well, thanks to its hard yellow rind.
- Good Eats -- Spaghetti squash has uniquely textured, stringy flesh with a neutral flavor that pairs well with sauces, just like spaghetti.
When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash
When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash? By the time the spaghetti squash is golden yellow or dark yellow, it is time to harvest the spaghetti squash. But you should not only look at the color of your spaghetti squash to know if it is the right time to harvest spaghetti squash.
You should also touch the skin of the spaghetti squash to see if it is ripe or not. Prick the skin of the spaghetti squash with your fingernail, if you notice that you can’t prick the skin of the spaghetti squash, it is ripe. The skin of the spaghetti squash must be hard to be harvested.
You will also notice that as the spaghetti squash matures, the vine slowly dries out. You will notice that some leaves or sections of the vine begin to dry out, this is another way to know when to harvest spaghetti squash.
Please note that depending on the variety of spaghetti squash you select it will take less or more days, read on the seed package the days of maturity. Then check the color and firmness of the spaghetti squash to be able to harvest it.
Not all spaghetti squash from the same plant will ripen at the same time, only harvest spaghetti squash that is ready to be harvested.
How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash
How to Harvest Spaghetti Squash? You already know when to harvest spaghetti squash which is very important to get the best flavor from spaghetti squash, but it is also important how to harvest spaghetti squash. Properly harvested spaghetti squash can be stored for a long time.
The best way to harvest spaghetti squash is with pruning shears or a sharp knife to make a perfect cut. Be sure to disinfect tools before harvesting spaghetti squash. Never try to pull the squash because it could damage the vine or the squash itself, and it could not be stored for a long time.
Leave a 3” to 4” (8 to 10 cm) stem on the spaghetti squash for longer storage. A short stem may reduce the length of time spaghetti squash can be stored. That is why I recommend that you use well-sharpened tools to make a perfect cut in the stem of the spaghetti squash.
If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when harvesting spaghetti squash because the stems often irritate sensitive skin. Handle the spaghetti squash carefully to avoid damage that will affect how long the spaghetti squash can be stored.
How to Store Spaghetti Squash
How to Store Spaghetti Squash? If you are going to consume your spaghetti squash within a few days, curing is not necessary, but if you are going to store spaghetti squash for winter consumption, you will need to cure them.
Clean the spaghetti squash with a dry cloth or brush, do not wash it or use a damp cloth because moisture is not good for curing and storage. If the spaghetti squash has any skin damage do not cure it, consume it as soon as possible. It is not recommended to cure a spaghetti squash with skin damage.
Curing spaghetti squash is very simple. Place the spaghetti squash in a well-ventilated place for approximately 14 days. It is best to place the spaghetti squash in a place that has good ventilation but is protected from rain. The ideal curing temperature for spaghetti squash is between 80 and 85 °F (27 to 29 °C).
After these 14 days of curing, you can store the spaghetti squash in a cool, dry place with a temperature between 50 and 55 °F (10 to 13 °C). Never stack spaghetti squash for storage because it may be damaged. It is also important not to store spaghetti squash near other ripe fruits such as pears and apples because these fruits release ethylene. Ethylene is a gas that accelerates ripening and therefore may shorten the storage time of spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti squash can be stored for 3 to 6 months. You will be able to enjoy your spaghetti squash harvest for several months.
Final Conclusions
In conclusion, harvesting spaghetti squash requires careful observation of the fruit’s appearance and consideration of the appropriate timing. Keeping the above factors and guidelines in mind will help ensure that you harvest spaghetti squash at the right time, maximizing its flavor and texture.
We hope this article on how and when to harvest spaghetti squash will be useful. We recommend our other article about when to harvest buttercup squash.
