So, when is spaghetti squash ripe? Let’s find out. Spaghetti squash, among the other squashes, is a favourite to many people.
Tracing its origins in China, the spaghetti squash is referred to as one of the earliest and original types of squash. Seeing as making observations for some of us is a bit tedious, and since we are horrible at it, there are specific ways you can tell when spaghetti squash is ripe.
The abnormality of the spaghetti squash lays the flesh change unusually into filaments that resemble the spaghetti itself when cooked. Which is where the squash derived its name.
Having good looks and being a delicious vegetable, it is high in nutrients as well. Having the texture same as the spaghetti makes it a delicacy among the children. With all these qualities, farmers find joy in growing spaghetti squash.
Knowing when Spaghetti Squash is Ripe
Same as all the squash varieties of the winter. Spaghetti squash needs to be utterly fully grown by the time of harvesting since developing will cease after it has been picked up. Alternatively, overly ripe spaghetti squash is indigestible. Luckily, there are a few methods that can guarantee you positive results when telling when your spaghetti squash is ripe and ready to harvest. You can apply either of these methods or chooses to combine them for checking the maturity of your spaghetti squashes.
1. Using your fingernails to check the maturity of spaghetti squash
You can notice that the color of your squashes show evidence that they are ready for harvesting. But you are not sure about the maturity of spaghetti squash. You can apply the fingernail method by pushing your finger into the skin. When spaghetti squash is ripe. You will notice that the skin is tough and you will have a hard time puncturing through it. If you can puncture through the skin, then this is an indication that your spaghetti squashes need more time.
2. Checking the Color of Spaghetti Squash
When ripe the color of spaghetti squash is bright yellow. Hence if you observe that you spaghetti squashes have a shade, green-yellow in color. Then this is a sign that they are still growing. If you notice that the skin of these vegetables has a yellow-orange color. Then this is an indication that you have waited too long. Preserving the squashes in favourable conditions will be a challenge.
The skin of a mature spaghetti squash also tends to appear dull; therefore, if the squashes appear a bit glossy, then you have to wait a bit longer ahead of the harvesting season.
3. Thrust your Finger on the Spaghetti Squash’s Skin
Pushing your finger on the fruit’s skin will assist in determining whether your fruits are ripe or are over-ripe. When practising this method, you will notice that the spaghetti squash’s skin is firm which is a clear indication that your fruits are fully ripe. However, if your finger goes all the way into the skin of your spaghetti squash, then it is probable that your fruits are over-ripe.
To ensure that you harvest your spaghetti squashes on time, you need to confirm that your fruits are ripe as soon as you notice the color change from green to yellow. This will guarantee that your spaghetti squashes are harvested at the right time.
4. Inspecting the Integrity of the Spaghetti Squash’s Skin
When looking out for ripe spaghetti squash, you should not be able to notice any black indentations on the spaghetti squash’s skinor any form of bruising on the surface of the fruit. These are clear indications that your fruits are over-ripe or they are damaged.
Harvesting Season for Spaghetti Squash
Just like the other types of squash, the spaghetti squash grows in the cold-season, and what this means is that these plants reach full maturity during winter. However depending on the conditions of the climate, maturity can be pushed further to late August up to December. Therefore it is crucial that as a spaghetti squash farmer, you fully understand the appropriate time of the harvesting season for your fruits.
When it comes to storing your harvested spaghetti squash, you have a few options to consider. First and foremost, if you are planning to conserve your harvested squashes, for a couple of months, then harvesting should be done in days that are sunny and dry. After that, you need to place your squashes in boxes stacked in a single layer. These boxes should then be stored in the basement of your house, a cellar or in a room that is dark enough, cool as well as dry immediately.
Second, if you are harvesting your spaghetti squash for instantconsumption, you have the option of storing your fruits in the fridge for a period not exceeding two weeks as this will ruin the fruits.
Conclusion
Now, it clearly evident that you will be able to tell when spaghetti squash is ripe that are planted on your farm. This article effectively answeres the question that is mostly a mystery to many farmers about the maturity of their grown spaghetti squash.
With the four techniques offered here, these are; checking the colour of your spaghetti squash, using your fingernails to check the maturity of your spaghetti squash, inspecting the integrity of the spaghetti squash’s skin and finally, thrusting your finger on the spaghetti squash’s skin. With these methods, you can be guaranteed success when you are looking to determine the maturity of your fruits. Also, as a farmer, you have tips about the harvesting season when you are anticipating your fruits to mature.
This article offers the farmer the information required after harvesting the spaghetti squash. If you plan on storing them for an extended period in which it is advisable to pack them in boxes and store them in darks confinements or if they are harvested for immediate consumption, there is the option of the fridge. Either way, you are guaranteed a delicious taste the spaghetti squash offers.
Read my other articles on Urban gardening and Hydroponic farming.
