How to Store Butternut Squash So It Lasts Through Fall (and Beyond)

Enjoy butternut squash 365 days a year.

Whether you like to puree it to make a soup , roast it as a seasonal side, or use it to flavor pasta dishes or grain bowls, there’s no doubt that butternut squash is one of the tastiest and most versatile fall foods you can find. Sure, the oddly shaped gourd can be quite intimidating to cut, slice, and prepare, but there’s no reason to be scared.

Additionally, butternut squash is a hearty fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) that can last when stored properly. If you learn how to store butternut squash the right way, you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits. Plus, you’ll manage to stretch your food dollars.

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When buying butternut squash at the grocery store , do so during its peak season (from fall to winter) when it might even be on sale. Look for a squash that has a hard exterior, a matte finish (as opposed to shiny) and a tan, light orange color. Butternut squash should also feel heavy for its size and have a deep brown stem. While some light scratches and blemishes on the exterior of the squash are to be expected, avoid a squash that has soft spots, large bruises, or cuts.

Once you’ve procured butternut squash, there are a few options to store it and make it last, depending on what your cooking and baking needs are. Here’s how to get it done.

Meet Our Expert

• Tara Coleman is a Clinical Nutritionist based in San Diego, California
  

How to Store Whole Butternut Squash

Storing whole butternut squash is easy, just remember to wash it first. Clinical Nutritionist Tara Coleman notes that butternut squash should be stored in a cool, dark place, and will last longer if you refrain from peeling it. When stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight, such as a well-ventilated pantry, cellar, or basement, butternut squash can last for about three months.

However, exactly where you store your butternut squash is important. “Make sure to not store the butternut squash near apples because the ethylene gas can make it rot more quickly,” Coleman explains. This is also true for pears, avocados , and tomatoes .

How to Store Cut Butternut Squash

We get it, it’s hard to beat the meal prep convenience of cutting up butternut squash ahead of time. However, once you cut and peel butternut squash, the storage rules change. Now, the fruit should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight food storage container or well sealed plastic bag. When stored this way, butternut squash should stay fresh for approximately three or four days.

Related: 49 Delicious Squash Recipes to Cook in Any Season

How to Freeze Butternut Squash

If you have leftover butternut squash that you’d like to keep fresh for (at least) several months, utilize your freezer . Freezing butternut squash takes a little more prep, but it’s worth it if you want this fruit at your fingertips all year long.

To store butternut squash in the freezer, follow these steps:

1. Clean your butternut squash by gently scrubbing it with a vegetable brush under cool running water.
2. Slice off both ends of the squash and begin peeling it with a vegetable peeler.
3. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp.
4. Then, cut your squash as desired. We prefer bite-sized cubes, because they’re easy to use in a variety of recipes.
5. Flash freeze your squash by placing the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and popping it in the freezer for an hour.
6. Once the squash is frozen, remove the baking sheet from the freezer and transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe food storage container or plastic bag that’s been labeled with the date and contents.

According to Coleman, frozen butternut squash will keep in the freezer for about a year. However, she recommends you enjoy it within six to eight months for the best results.

If you’re concerned that frozen butternut squash requires additional prep before cooking, rest assured that it doesn’t. “Butternut squash can be cooked as normal after it has been frozen, but for the best results allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator” advises Coleman. Once the squash has thawed, use it for soups, sauces, or smoothies . You can also roast it in the oven or air fryer.

How Long Does Butternut Squash Last

In general, whole butternut squash will last for two to three months when stored in a cool, dark place. You can even use whole squash as a table decoration (so long as the space isn’t too warm and the squash isn’t in direct sunlight), and then enjoy it in your favorite soup, salad or pasta dish.

Related: The Best Way to Wash Fruits and Vegetables So They're Safe to Eat, According to Experts

Once cut, butternut squash will last in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you want your butternut squash to last even longer (approximately six to eight months, or more) peel it, cut it up, and store the pieces in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you refrigerate raw butternut squash?

Yes, you can refrigerate raw butternut squash, and you should make use of your fridge once butternut squash is cut. Still, Coleman notes that cut up butternut squash will only last for three to four days in the refrigerator, so be sure to use it quickly.

How long will butternut squash last on the counter?

Generally speaking, whole butternut squash will last on the counter for two to three months. However, that window of time shrinks if your kitchen is warm and humid, and the squash is exposed to direct sunlight. For the best results, opt for a cool, dark place, if possible.

Should you wash butternut squash before storing?

Yes, washing butternut squash before storing and cooking it will preserve freshness. Washing the outside of butternut squash can “remove microorganisms that speed up rotting,” according to Coleman.

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