How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?: Spaghetti Squash is one of the most popular winter dishes in Middle Eastern areas. It owes this popularity to its trait of being easy to handle. It can be used to prepare scrumptious chicken and cheese dishes stuffed inside spaghetti squash.
Wondering what to do with your leftover spaghetti squash? Then, this article is for you. Did you forget about spaghetti squash in your store room and are now stuck with a few expired ones? No worries, read through this article to discover How long does spaghetti squash last.
- How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?
- How To Store Spaghetti Squash?
- Tips for Storing Spaghetti Squash
- How To Tell If Spaghetti Squash Has Gone Bad?
- Fun Facts About Spaghetti Squash
- How can you tell if spaghetti squash is good?
- Is it OK to eat spaghetti squash if the seeds have sprouted?
- How big do the spaghetti squash plants get?
How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?
As you must have read earlier, spaghetti squash lasts for a very long time compared to other perishable foods. Even without refrigeration, they are edible for a month, given their storage conditions were good. We will be telling you the estimated shelf life of spaghetti squash because it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact shelf life.
It depends on a multitude of factors like the time for which it was kept in the supermarket from where you bought it, its storing conditions, and the room temperature. But, if you follow the correct stacking techniques then you can considerably extend the shelf life of spaghetti squash.
| Type of Spaghetti Squash | Shelf Life in the Kitchen Pantry | Shelf Life in the Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh/ Uncut Spaghetti Squash | 1 month | 1-2 months |
| Cut open Spaghetti Squash | Up to 1 week | 10-15 days |
| Cooked Spaghetti Squash | 1-2 days | 3-4 days |
How To Store Spaghetti Squash?
The key to preserving any item’s shelf life lies with your storing tactics. When it comes to spaghetti squash, things are so much simpler. All you need to do is remove the seeds, keep the vegetable dry, and ensure proper airflow. Also, no hectic freezing processes are required. Read through these elaborated strategies for storing your favorite winter vegetable.
Fresh Spaghetti Squash:
- Take the vegetable out of its original packing and clean it with paper towels.
- Avoid washing it as you may find it difficult to dry it up later on.
- Put it away in your kitchen pantry or basement garage. It is important that the surrounding temperature shall be lower than room temperature but higher than the refrigeration one.
- Try keeping it at 13-16° C only.
- Your spaghetti squash will last a month if you keep all these points in your mind.
Cut/ Chopped/ Peeled/ Cooked Spaghetti Squash:
- If you are halfway through the vegetable, then it is advisable that you refrain from leaving it out on the kitchen counter.
- Pat your spaghetti squash dry using paper towels or parchment paper.
- Place all the leftovers in airtight containers if the quantity is large. However, if you don’t have many estates to spare for large containers, you can also use fridge bags
- Store away the containers or bags in the refrigerator.
- If you have deeply roasted the spaghetti squash, then it may last up to 4 days if you place it in the freezer.
Tips for Storing Spaghetti Squash
Given that you have followed the above-mentioned process completely, your spaghetti squash will last long. However, sometimes unforeseeable circumstances can lead to vegetable spoilage. To avoid such situations, follow the tips provided in this section.
- Ensure that your spaghetti squash is as dry as possible. Even a slight amount of water can exacerbate spoilage.
- Provide enough pathways for moisture and ethylene gas produced by the vegetables.
- Although refrigeration isn’t necessary, you shall give it a shot if your spaghetti squash is closer to expiration.
- The temperature for storing it shall be strictly between 13 – 16° C.
- Cut off the moldy part as soon as you spot any on the surface of it.
You might be interested in the article Can Butternut Squash Go Bad as well to understand shelf life, storage practices and tips to extend the shelf life, etc.
How To Tell If Spaghetti Squash Has Gone Bad?
Contrary to the mainstream myths, spaghetti squash doesn’t show signs of deterioration just because it has expired. There are various indications that clearly show when it has begun to go bad. Let’s see some of these warning signs.
- The most obvious way to identify a spoiled spaghetti squash will be by analyzing its surface. If any weird spots, which are red/ brown/ black in color, are visible to the naked eye, then get rid of the vegetable instantly.
- These winter vegetables are infamous for being firm. However, if yours are being soft, watery, or slimy, then it’s time to throw it away.
- Any sort of invasive pathogens can lead to mold in spaghetti squash. Therefore, either cut out the moldy part or get rid of the whole vegetable.
Fun Facts About Spaghetti Squash
Now, that you are armed with the right strategies for storing your fresh and organic spaghetti squash, check out these interesting facts about this vegetable.
- The first sapling of spaghetti squash appears after 45 days of planting seeds.
- It is rich in oxidants and fiber whereas the calories are extremely less.
- Their seeds can be separately used for roasting purposes.
- The noodle-like strands inside any spaghetti squash are an important part of Mexican side salads.
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FAQs on How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?
1. How can you tell if spaghetti squash is good?
There can be many ways to analyze a spaghetti squash’s state. If it is quite heavy for its size and firm then you have picked the right one. Also, it should be as big as your forearm and can be yellow or orange in color. The fresh ones tend to last longer as well.
2. Is it OK to eat spaghetti squash if the seeds have sprouted?
Yes, absolutely. The spaghetti flesh will be quite tender if you have freshly sprouted seeds. Though they retain similar nutrient profiles, the taste and texture might be totally different as the vegetable is still a shrub.
3. How big do the spaghetti squash plants get?
Given the right farming conditions, spaghetti squash plants can get 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. However, they will require frequent water drippings and warm, loamy soil to sprout in the first place.
Summary
Hopefully, this article resolved all your doubts about spaghetti squash, its storage, shelf life, and expiry periods. It is an extremely healthy vegetable to eat during winter. Follow the simple measures over here and use the spaghetti squash for a long time without spoiling it. For more articles like Can Kale Go Bad and about your favorite foods, stay tuned.