Signs of Ripeness in Acorn Squash

Color

• The mature color of the acorn squash varies depending on the variety. Most types turn a deep green color at full ripeness. Orange varieties turn from yellow to deep orange. The ground spot of the acorn squash, which is the area that sat upon the soil, retains its yellow coloration even at maturity. Mature squash loses its glossy appearance and becomes dull. Although dullness indicates a ripe squash in the garden, purchased acorn squashes are often waxed, so the glossy appearance of the skin doesn't provide a suitable indicator of maturity.

Weight and Firmness

• Acorn squashes develop a hard rind at maturity. Press your fingernail gently against the rind. If your nail pierces the rind, the squash isn't yet ripe. Press lightly on all parts of the squash to check for soft spots. If any soft spots remain, the squash hasn't fully ripened. The squash also feels heavy for its size. At full ripeness an acorn squash weighs approximately 2 to 3 lbs. Heavier squashes were left on the vine too long and have overmatured. Overly ripe acorn squash develops a stringy, unappetizing texture.

Stem

• The stem begins to die as the acorn squash approaches maturity. When harvesting squash from the garden bed, inspect the stem where it attaches to the vegetable. Pick the squash if the tendrils around the base of the stem attachment have turned brown and brittle. Occasionally the tendrils begin to dry before the acorn squash reaches full maturity, so only use the stem as a maturity indicator in conjunction with color, weight and firmness indicators.

Storage Tips

• Unlike other winter squash varieties, acorn squash doesn't require a curing period before storage. Curing the squash can cause it to over-ripen and become overly soft and mushy during storage. Store fully ripe acorn squash in a 50- to 55-degree F location for up to eight weeks. Acorn squashes have a shorter storage life compared to other winter squash varieties, but picking the squash at its peak maturity helps to ensure that it retains its quality for the longest time possible.