How Do You Pick A Butternut Squash

You pick a butternut squash by looking for a tan, matte skin with no soft spots.
 
There’s more to it than just grabbing the first one you see, though.
 
If you’re wondering how to pick a butternut squash that’s perfectly ripe and sweet, the answer comes down to a few simple checks.
 
The good news is that picking a butternut squash is easier than you might think once you know what to look for.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to pick a butternut squash, from checking the skin to testing the weight, so you bring home the best one every time.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Pick a Butternut Squash at the Store

Picking a butternut squash comes down to using your eyes, your hands, and a little common sense.
 
Here’s how to pick a butternut squash that’s ready to roast, puree, or turn into soup:
 

1. Look for a Deep, Even Tan Color

The first thing to check when you pick a butternut squash is the color.
 
A ripe butternut squash has a deep, solid tan or beige skin with no green streaks.
 
If you see green patches, that squash was picked too early, and it won’t have the sweet, nutty flavor you’re after.
 
The skin should also look matte rather than shiny.
 
A glossy butternut squash usually means it’s immature, so keep looking for one with that dull, even finish.
 

2. Check the Skin for Blemishes

When you pick a butternut squash, run your eyes over the whole surface.
 
You want smooth skin without cuts, bruises, or soft spots.
 
Small scuffs are usually fine, but any mushy area means the squash is starting to rot.
 
Also avoid butternut squash with deep cracks, since those openings let in bacteria and moisture.
 

3. Press the Skin Gently

Here’s a quick test to pick a butternut squash that’s fully ripe.
 
Press your fingernail gently into the skin.
 
If it leaves a small dent, the squash isn’t ready yet.
 
If the skin feels hard and doesn’t give at all, that’s a good sign.
 
When you pick a butternut squash this way, you’re basically checking that it reached full maturity on the vine.
 

4. Weigh It in Your Hands

A great butternut squash feels heavy for its size.
 
That weight tells you the flesh inside is dense and full of moisture, which means better flavor and texture.
 
If a butternut squash feels light, it’s probably dried out inside, and the flesh may be stringy or bland.
 
So whenever you pick a butternut squash, compare a few of them and choose the heaviest one.
 

5. Knock on It and Listen

This trick works every time you pick a butternut squash.
 
Give it a gentle knock with your knuckles.
 
A ripe butternut squash sounds hollow inside.
 
If the sound is dull or thuddy, the squash may be underripe or overly dense.
 
It might feel a little silly doing this in the produce aisle, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to pick a butternut squash.
 

6. Check the Stem

The stem tells you a lot about when the butternut squash was harvested.
 
A ripe butternut squash has a dry, brown, corky stem.
 
If the stem is still green or looks freshly cut, the squash was picked too soon.
 
When you pick a butternut squash with a dry stem, you know it ripened fully before being cut from the vine.
 

7. Skip the Refrigerated Ones

Butternut squash doesn’t need refrigeration before it’s cut.
 
In fact, cold storage can damage the flesh and shorten its shelf life.
 
When you pick a butternut squash, choose one stored at room temperature, ideally on a dry shelf or in a bin.
 

How to Store Your Butternut Squash After You Pick It

Once you pick a butternut squash, proper storage keeps it fresh for weeks.
 
Keep it in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation, like a pantry shelf or a basement corner.
 
Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it, since pressure can bruise the skin.
 
A whole butternut squash stored this way can last one to three months.
 
Once you cut it, wrap the pieces tightly and refrigerate them.
 
They’ll stay good for about five days.
 
And if you pick a butternut squash and want to freeze it, cube it first, then blanch and store it in freezer bags for up to a year.
 

Common Mistakes When You Pick a Butternut Squash

Even seasoned shoppers make mistakes when they pick a butternut squash.
 
One common error is choosing a squash with a shiny, glossy skin.
 
Another is ignoring the weight test and grabbing a light one just because it looks nice.
 
Some people also pick a butternut squash with green spots, thinking it will ripen on the counter.
 
Unlike some fruits, butternut squash won’t ripen much after harvest, so what you pick is what you get.
 
Avoiding these mistakes makes a big difference when you pick a butternut squash.
 

So, How Do You Pick a Butternut Squash?

You pick a butternut squash by choosing one with a deep tan color, hard matte skin, a dry corky stem, and a heavy feel for its size.
 
A hollow sound when you knock on it confirms it’s ripe and ready.
 
Skip any butternut squash with soft spots, green streaks, or a glossy surface.
 
And once you bring it home, store it somewhere cool and dry until you’re ready to cook.
 
With these tips, you’ll pick a butternut squash that’s sweet, dense, and perfect for your next recipe.