How to Know When Squash Are Ripe
- 1). Look at the color. Regardless of the variety, a ripe, healthy squash should have a bold color. Pale colors or light green ends may indicate an unripe fruit.
- 2). Feel the rind, or skin, of the squash. The exterior of summer squash should be tough, but the flesh should feel noticeably tender when squeezed. The rind of winter squash must be tough enough to withstand pressure from a thumbnail.
- 3). Look at the stems to determine ripeness of winter squash. When ripe, the stems turn gray and begin to dry and shrivel.
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