How To Store Summer Squash In The Fridge

You can store summer squash in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.
 
Summer squash is a tender vegetable and it doesn’t have a long shelf life at room temperature, so refrigeration is your best bet.
 
You can store summer squash in the fridge, but it needs the right conditions to stay firm and flavorful for one to two weeks.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store summer squash in the fridge without ending up with mushy or moldy pieces, this is for you.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to store summer squash in the fridge, the best prep methods, ideal storage spots, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s get right into it.
 

How to Store Summer Squash in the Fridge

You can store summer squash in the fridge, and here’s how to do it right:
 

1. Don’t Wash It Before Storing

When you want to store summer squash in the fridge, the first rule is to keep it dry.
 
Washing summer squash before you store it in the fridge adds moisture to the skin, and that moisture invites mold and rot.
 
So if you plan to store summer squash in the fridge, wait until you’re ready to cook before washing it.
 
Wipe off any dirt with a dry paper towel instead, then pop the summer squash in the fridge.
 

2. Keep Summer Squash Whole

If you store summer squash in the fridge whole, it lasts much longer than cut pieces.
 
Cutting summer squash exposes the flesh to air, which speeds up spoilage when you store it in the fridge.
 
So if you must cut it, store summer squash in the fridge inside an airtight container and use it within two to three days.
 
Whole summer squash can handle up to two weeks in the fridge when stored properly.
 

3. Use a Perforated Plastic Bag or Container

The best way to store summer squash in the fridge is in a perforated plastic bag or a container lined with a paper towel.
 
This setup lets a little air circulate while keeping the humidity high, which is exactly what summer squash needs.
 
If you store summer squash in the fridge in a sealed bag with no airflow, it’ll turn slimy fast.
 
The paper towel absorbs extra moisture, so when you store summer squash in the fridge this way, it stays firm longer.
 

4. Place It in the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer is the ideal spot to store summer squash in the fridge because it controls humidity.
 
Set the drawer to low humidity for summer squash, since too much moisture can still cause problems.
 
Keep summer squash away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas when you store them in the fridge.
 
Those fruits speed up ripening, and that makes summer squash spoil sooner.
 

How Long Does Summer Squash Last in the Fridge?

When you store summer squash in the fridge properly, it lasts about one to two weeks.
 

1. Whole Summer Squash

Whole summer squash stored in the fridge keeps for up to two weeks under ideal conditions.
 
Check on it every few days, because one bad squash can spoil the rest.
 

2. Cut Summer Squash

If you store cut summer squash in the fridge, plan to use it within two to three days.
 
Keep cut summer squash in an airtight container, and it’ll hold up well for quick meals.
 

3. Cooked Summer Squash

You can also store cooked summer squash in the fridge for three to five days.
 
Let it cool completely first, then seal it in a container before you store summer squash in the fridge.
 

Common Mistakes When You Store Summer Squash in the Fridge

Even when you store summer squash in the fridge, a few slip-ups can ruin it fast.
 

1. Storing It Wet

Wet summer squash rots quickly, so always dry it before you store summer squash in the fridge.
 

2. Sealing It Tight

A fully sealed bag traps moisture, and that’s the enemy when you store summer squash in the fridge.
 

3. Leaving It Near Ethylene Producers

Apples, bananas, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds spoilage when you store summer squash in the fridge next to them.
 

4. Freezing Without Blanching

If you want to store summer squash in the fridge long-term, freezing is better, but blanch it first to keep the texture.
 

So, How to Store Summer Squash in the Fridge?

You can store summer squash in the fridge by keeping it dry, whole, and in a perforated bag in the crisper drawer.
 
When you store summer squash in the fridge the right way, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
 
Avoid washing it early, sealing it tight, or placing it near ethylene-producing fruits.
 
Hope this post has helped you learn how to store summer squash in the fridge so nothing goes to waste.