Acorn squash is a type of winter squash that belongs to the genus Cucurbita.
It has an elongated shape, and as its name implies, it resembles an acorn.
Acorn squash can be used in many different ways:
- Roasted in chunks or pureed into soup.
- Baked like sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar.
- Stuffed with savory ingredients such as rice, mushrooms, onions, and herbs for a hearty meal.
Storing acorns after you cut them also helps preserve their flavor (and life).
Learn how long does acorn squash last by reading this article.
What is Acorn Squash?
Acorn Squash is a type of winter squash that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
They are an excellent source of Vitamin A and the B Vitamins Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid.
Acorn squash also has a good amount of potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure levels and heart function by balancing fluids throughout your body not to feel bloated or get headaches.
Through research, it has been discovered that eating foods high in Potassium can help decrease the risk for stroke.
The sweetness comes from natural sugars found in pumpkin and acorn squashes – there is no added sugar content.
This makes them great to eat with just about any meal.
Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, Acorn squash is also a good source of dietary fiber to keep you feeling full throughout the day.
They are low fat, which means they can be eaten guilt-free for breakfast or even dessert.
Acorn Squash has been said to taste like apples but with more flavor and a sweeter aftertaste with hints of pumpkin spice.
This makes it perfect for any meal – whether sweet or savory.
There are many different ways you can get the most of your Acorn Squash, like:
- Oven Roasted with a little olive oil and salt.
- Baked for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Cut in half and microwave until soft (about 12 minutes).
How to Roast Acorn Squash?
Although acorn squash is classified as a winter vegetable, it can be found in stores year-round.
Acorns are available whole and halved or quartered, depending on the size of the squash.
The cooking method for acorn squash includes baking them at 400°F until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes to one hour.
To roast acorn squash:
- Preheat oven to 400 °F;.
- place cut halves or quarters skin side up on greased pan (or coated with oil).
- Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes or until flesh is soft and yields easily near the outer edge.
- Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes before serving so that flavors have time to blend.
- Serve hot.
This is a great side dish for turkey, pork or beef dishes.
I also like to use squash in my stuffing mix because it adds flavor and moistness to keep your sandwich nice and juicy.
How to Store Acorn Squash?
Acorns are usually harvested from late September through December but can be found most months if they’re grown at home or in your garden.
As an autumn favorite around this time of year, many people will harvest and store their acorns for future use.
The first step is to ensure that your squash has been thoroughly washed, scrubbing off any dirt or debris.
Acorn squash should be cut or cooked before being refrigerated to protect them from damage.
They will dry out if left in the fridge for too long and can lose some of their shelf life doing so.
Once cut, place the squash in a dish of water until it is fully submerged.
This prevents any bacteria from forming and will produce better flavor for your food when you cook or roast it later.
Ensure to remove the excess pulp before placing it into storage containers, as this can lead to spoilage.
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge at 33-35 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also freeze acorns for later use, as they will last up to one year in the freezer if stored properly.
How Long Does Acorn Squash Last? Does Acorn Squash Go Bad?
Some people love pumpkin pie and acorn squash, but others are not so sure.
Acorn squash is a relative of the pumpkin that some say tastes like a sweet potato when baked or fried.
But how long does an acorn squash last? The answer will depend on if it’s cooked or raw.
Acorn squash is a great vegetable to roast or cut in half and place on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
It will take about 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit before the squash starts to get soft.
And cooked acorn squash can last up to four days in the fridge or up to one month when frozen.
Raw acorn squash lasts for two weeks if stored in your refrigerator.
Ensure to keep it in a sealed bag or container to prevent moisture from escaping and the squash from spoiling.
You can also freeze raw acorn squash for up to one year.
Slice, place on a baking sheet, and put in the freezer until frozen solid.
However, the longer you leave the squash out before freezing, the more you will lose nutritional content.
How to Tell if Acorn Squash is Bad?
Acorn squash is one of the easiest squashes to grow, and it can be harvested in different ways.
Acorn squash is a type of winter squash with edible skin and flesh with a nutty flavor.
This makes acorn squash great for using as ingredients in recipes or eating raw.
While choosing varieties at the grocery store may seem like an overwhelming task, there are a few things you should look out for that will help tell if acorn squash is bad.
- Is the skin damaged?
- Are any of the seeds popped open or have holes in them?
- Does it smell funny (rotten) or not ripe at all?
- Is it soft to the touch?
- Is it a different color than usual?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s a good idea not to purchase the squash and discard it.
Acorn squash should have firm flesh with little or no discoloration on its skin.
After purchasing your acorn squash, make sure you store them at room temperature in an area with plenty of airflows, so they don’t rot.
Conclusion
Acorn squash is a great winter staple that can help you get through your cold-weather months.
While the shelf life of this type of squash, raw or cooked, varies depending on how it was stored and maintained.
When refrigerating acorns squashed during storage, make sure to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap before putting them into containers.
With a little bit of effort, you can keep your acorn squash around for quite some time.
All it takes is proper storage and the right kitchen tools to prepare them in delicious dishes like butternut squash soup or roasted acorn squash with kale instead of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.
It’s worth keeping a few on hand because they are so versatile.
How Long Does Acorn Squash Last? Does Acorn Squash Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Acorn squash
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
About The Author
