Anyone who grows their own butternut is faced with the question of when the vegetables are ready to be harvested in late summer. Some clues reveal the current state of maturity. If the harvest takes place too early, the pulp can ripen under certain conditions.
Butternut can be harvested from July
Harvest pumpkins
You can harvest the vegetables between July and September. The butternut is ready for harvest when its stalks begin to woody. As the fruit ripens, the color of the skin changes. Initially, the pumpkins have a greenish-yellow grain. When mature, the outer skin takes on a pale yellow color. This is also very firm and when tapped, a hollow sound is heard.
Allow unripe pumpkins to ripen
In order for a butternut to ripen successfully, the shell must have already hardened. In contrast, the lightening of the outer skin is not important. Place the vegetables in a warm and well-ventilated place. It is important that the pumpkin gets the same amount of air and heat from all sides. When stored in a bed of straw, temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees and low humidity, post-ripening is complete after two to three weeks.
Reasons for post-ripening:
- upcoming frost threatens to destroy pumpkins
- Germination of the seeds increases with further maturation
- The flavor of the pulp becomes more intense
Proper storage
The butternut squash is one of the longest-lasting varieties. The vegetables can survive up to eight months without any loss of quality, as long as the skin is not damaged. Store the gourds in nets that will be hung from the ceiling. In this way you prevent pressure points and prevent mold from forming. If the temperature is between ten and 13 degrees, ideal storage conditions prevail.
use
To test if the squash is still good, taste a small amount. If the meat tastes bitter, it is no longer suitable for consumption. If the butternut has been cut, you should use up the pulp quickly. It keeps in the fridge for two to three days. The pumpkin seeds can be reused. Roasted in a pan and sprinkled with sea salt, they make a delicious treat.
tips
Before eating, you should peel the butternut because the outer skin is very tough.