How Do You Store Yellow Squash

You can store yellow squash in the refrigerator for short-term use or freeze it for long-term preservation.
 
The method you choose depends on whether you plan to eat your yellow squash within a week or keep it for months.
 
Yellow squash is a tender summer squash, so it doesn’t have a thick skin like winter squash varieties.
 
That means it needs a little more attention when it comes to storage.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you store yellow squash so it stays fresh and firm, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to store yellow squash in the fridge, how to freeze yellow squash, and the common mistakes that ruin your harvest.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Do You Store Yellow Squash in the Refrigerator?

Storing yellow squash in the refrigerator is the easiest way to keep it fresh for about a week.
 
But how you prep it before it goes in matters more than most people realize.
 
Here’s how to store yellow squash properly so it lasts:

1. Don’t Wash It Until You’re Ready to Use It

The first rule of storing yellow squash is to keep it dry.
 
Moisture is the enemy of fresh squash, and washing it before storage invites mold and mush.
 
Instead, wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth or paper towel.
 
Then wash your yellow squash right before you cook it.
 

2. Keep the Stem On

Leave the stem attached if you can.
 
The stem acts like a seal that keeps moisture inside the squash and air out.
 
Once you cut the stem off, the yellow squash starts losing moisture fast and begins to soften.
 

3. Store in a Perforated Plastic Bag

Place your yellow squash in a plastic bag and poke a few holes in it for airflow.
 
You can also wrap it loosely in a paper towel and then put it in a bag.
 
The goal is to keep some humidity around your yellow squash without trapping so much that it gets slimy.
 

4. Use the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer of your fridge is the ideal spot for yellow squash.
 
Set the humidity control to the low setting if your fridge has one.
 
Yellow squash stored this way will stay firm and fresh for five to seven days.
 
If you bought your yellow squash at a farmers market, it may last even longer because it was picked at peak freshness.
 

How Do You Store Yellow Squash Long Term?

If you have more yellow squash than you can eat in a week, freezing is the way to go.
 
Yellow squash freezes well, but it needs to be blanched first.
 
Skipping this step leads to mushy, watery squash when you thaw it.
 
Here’s the process:

1. Wash and Slice the Squash

Rinse your yellow squash under cool water and pat it dry.
 
Trim off both ends and slice it into rounds or chunks, whichever you prefer.
 
You can also shred yellow squash if you plan to use it in baked goods later.
 

2. Blanch for Three Minutes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
 
Drop your yellow squash slices in and let them cook for about three minutes.
 
Then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
 
This step preserves the texture and color of your yellow squash.
 

3. Pat Dry and Freeze

Drain the blanched yellow squash and pat the pieces dry with a clean towel.
 
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for a couple of hours.
 
Once frozen, transfer the pieces into freezer bags or containers.
 
This flash-freezing method keeps your yellow squash from clumping together.
 
Label the bags with the date so you know when to use them.
 
Properly stored yellow squash will keep in the freezer for up to ten months.
 

Common Mistakes When Storing Yellow Squash

Even with good intentions, a few habits can ruin your yellow squash before you get a chance to enjoy it.
 
Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Storing It at Room Temperature Too Long

Yellow squash doesn’t last long on the counter.
 
It will start to wrinkle and soften within a day or two, especially in warm weather.
 
Pop your yellow squash in the fridge as soon as you bring it home.
 

2. Stacking It in a Big Pile

Piling yellow squash on top of each other traps moisture and causes bruises.
 
Store your yellow squash in a single layer whenever possible.
 
This helps air circulate and keeps them from rotting.
 

3. Freezing Without Blanching

Tossing raw yellow squash straight into the freezer seems like a shortcut, but it’s a mistake.
 
The enzymes in the squash keep working in the freezer, breaking down the texture and flavor.
 
Blanching stops those enzymes so your yellow squash tastes fresh when you thaw it.
 

4. Washing Before Storing

We mentioned this already, but it’s worth repeating because it’s the most common mistake.
 
Never store wet yellow squash.
 
Dry it thoroughly before it goes into the fridge or freezer.
 

So, How Do You Store Yellow Squash?

You can store yellow squash in the refrigerator for about a week or blanch and freeze it for up to ten months.
 
Keep it dry, leave the stem on, and use a perforated bag in the crisper drawer for short-term storage.
 
For long-term storage, blanch your yellow squash first, pat it dry, and freeze in a single layer before bagging.
 
Follow these simple steps and your yellow squash will stay firm, flavorful, and ready to cook whenever you are.