Why Some Squash Varieties Are Best Kept In The Fridge

For many squash enthusiasts, the variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and flavors available is as exciting as a palette full of paints is to a painter. For those who are just getting familiar with gourds, the sheer quantity of squash varieties might seem as scary as cutting squash without this microwave trick. Thankfully, the vast array of these fruits (yes, they're technically not vegetables) can easily be divided into two main categories: winter and summer squash.

Harvested in the fall and sturdy enough to last through winter, butternut, acorn, spaghetti, delicata, kabocha, sugar pumpkin, carnival, and honeynut squash are a few examples of winter squash. Summer squash, on the other hand, is harvested when the gourds are not fully mature. This means the rinds on summer varieties like zucchini, yellow, chayote, zephyr, and pattypan squash will not be as hard as winter squash.

Besides the difference when they are harvested, winter and summer squash should also be stored differently. An expert on the matter, Patrick Ochs, Corporate Executive Chef INK Entertainment, has just the storage advice we seek. Chef Ochs explains that while more delicate summer squash is best stored in the refrigerator, winter squash fares better when stored in a cool, dry place.

Winter squash varieties are some of many foods that should not be stored in the refrigerator. This type of squash possess a variety of flavors, from mild, to sweet, to nutty, that can tie together a dish. According to Patrick Ochs, thicker-skinned winter squash is best stored in a cool, dry place at close to room temperature because "it has a thicker skin and lower moisture content, which allows it to store longer without refrigeration." 

Whether grilled, roasted, or steamed, summer squash add indispensable pops of flavor and texture to any lively summer dish, including zucchini bread and summer squash and basil burrata salad. Its thinner skin and other factors also demand a stay in the fridge. "Summer squash, like zucchini, is best stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness, as it has a high water content and is more perishable," Ochs explains. Storing summer squash in this way will ensure your summer dishes are as vibrant and delicious as possible. However, you'll still want to consume it within one to two weeks.