Storing squash

[bluecar]

Hello all.

I've just harvested my first set of squash. How do I store them? Should the stems go downwards? Also I seem to remember reading that it was a good idea to give them a rub of diluted bleach as this prolongs their storage. What dilution ratio would this be?

Regards

Bluecar

[bluecar]

[Jeannine]

10-1 ratio water to bleach, they need ti be cured in a warmish place if not cured outside, you will lnow they are cured when sticking a fingernail into them leaves no mark, then store them in a cool but not cold place, not on concrete, standing upright , don't carry them by what we call the handle, then depending on what variety they are they should be good for severak months, check them regulary and if ione starts to show sugns of spoilage use it immediately, it starts as a patch you can cut out, Don;t use any for a few weeks as they need that time to develop their sugars and the taste is not so good till they do. XX Jeannine

[bluecar]

Thanks Jeannine

[gwynleg]

Just to say that I dont use bleach and have not had problems with storing the squashes once cured. I have some in the greenhouse at the moment as outside is certainly not dry and sunny! I have eaten some past May so bleach certainly not essential if you prefer not to use it

[Jeannine]

Bleach is a good thing if the plant had any mildew etc, if it comes from a perfectly great summer of a regular plant as it does in many parts of the world, you are right it does not need it, but in the damp harvests of the UK and where I am it is good insurance for storing through out the winter, and longer as I sometimes do if I want the squash to dry out for decoration. It becomes a balance thing  XX Jeannine

[galina]

I hear what you are saying Jeannine and it makes perfect sense, but I have never used bleach either.  I do turn them over a couple of times initially to make sure they dry properly on all sides.  Washing in bleach solution makes them wetter initially.  If there is a bit of mud, I just rub it off gently once it has dried.  Yes curing is so important, we are lucky to have a conservatory that faces south and is great for curing squash.   

After a while, they go into the lounge or the spare room and sit on the window sill or on top of the furniture - storage as well as a bit of rustic decoration.