How to properly store squash for the winter

In the summer, sometimes lovers of original vegetable dishes want to make a decent supply of squash for the winter period in order to delight their loved ones with healthy delicacies from it.

Storing squash for the winter

Patisson is not at all picky when it comes to saving for the winter. And if handled correctly during harvesting and sending for storage, the vegetable can be suitable for consumption almost until spring, or even longer. It all depends on the chosen storage method.

When choosing one of the options, you need to take its degree of maturity as a guide. For example, small, as they are called “delicacy”, squash can be stored fresh for up to 7 days. If during this period it is not possible to consume the product, then it is best to freeze it or prepare some preparations from the fruit. More mature squash (they have a hard shell) can be stored for a longer period.

It will be possible to consume fresh vegetables until spring if:

• sort the squash, discarding those that have dents, scratches and other damage;
• wrap each copy in paper;
• send to a room where it is always dark and cool.

The squash should not touch each other during such storage.

Drying and freezing fruits

Squash is dried and frozen by those who do not have a suitable place to store them fresh. These methods allow you to take up much less space, while more vitamins are not lost - ideal for storing in an apartment. It is very convenient to dry thin slices of squash in a special dryer. It is better to freeze the vegetable whole (if its peel is not hard). In this form, squash can be suitable for consumption for 10 months, after which it can be eaten, but all the vitamins in such fruits will no longer be present.

See video: How to properly dry squash.

Other ways to store squash

The most common blank method of these fruits for the winter is canning. Such a product can easily stand until the next pumpkin harvest. Skillful housewives have gotten the hang of turning squash into delicious desserts: jams, jam, jam, etc. There are even recipes for compotes made from these healthy fruits.

Conditions under which squash should be stored correctly

All storage methods require compliance with certain features that allow you to preserve the vegetable for a long time without losing its beneficial substances.

1. The temperature for storing fresh squash should not exceed +20°C.
2. Frozen sliced ​​fruits are stored for six months, and whole frozen vegetables are stored for no more than 10 months.
3. Dried squash slices must be stored in a ventilated place where it is always dry. Their shelf life is no longer than 6 months.

The main thing is not to neglect any of the advice of experienced housewives, then squash can be on the table for a whole year.