There’s something almost magical about growing your own vegetables. The process of watching a tiny seed transform into a towering plant is truly amazing. One crowd-favorite squash is the acorn squash.
This versatile vegetable is a good source of fiber and vitamin A, and its earthy flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to hearty dishes like roast pork or lamb. It’s easy to grow and can be harvested from late summer through early fall.
If this is your first time growing acorn squash, it’s normal to feel confused about when to harvest them. After all, you don’t want to wait too long and end up with an overripe one.
Acorn Squash: When Do They Ripen?
One of the common challenges of growing this vegetable is that they all ripen at different times. This can make it difficult to distinguish between a ripe squash and one that still needs more time on the vine.
The good news is that there are a few telltale signs indicating when an acorn squash is ready and ripe.
Skin
When the skin is hard and difficult to pierce with a fingernail, you’ll know that it’s ripe. The skin should also be deep green or brown, without any soft spots.
If you gently press on the skin of the squash and it gives easily, it’s not quite ready yet. Leave it on the vine for a few more days and check back periodically.
An unripe squash will be difficult to puncture with a fingernail, so this is one of the first things to check.
The Stem
Another indicator of ripeness is the stem. Once it’s ripe, the stem will start to dry out and turn brown. Its woody stem will start to look dry and challenging to break.
If you’ve noticed that the stem is still soft and has a greenish hue, the squash is not quite ready yet.
Shape
Another simple way to distinguish if the fruit is ripe is by its shape. When they are first growing, acorn squash is oval-shaped. As they mature, they will start to develop their characteristic acorn shape.
Harvesting while the squash is still oval-shaped will result in a smaller, less flavorful squash. Wait until the squash has developed its full acorn shape before picking.
Color
In addition to looking at the skin and shape of the squash, you can also tell if an acorn squash is ripe by its color. The skin should be deep green or brown, without any soft spots. If the skin is dull or yellow, the squash is not yet ripe.
You may also check the squash’s underside. A dark orange color indicates that the squash is ripe and ready for harvesting. Otherwise, the squash is not quite ready yet.
Size
Acorn squash is typically between six and eight inches long when they are ripe. They should also feel heavy for their size. If you pick them too early, they will be small and lack flavor.
Date of Maturity
Typically, acorn squash takes around 80 days to reach maturity. However, this can vary depending on the variety of squash and growing conditions.
What Happens if You Pick Acorn Squash Early On?
It’s a common mistake to pick squash too early. While it may be tempting to harvest the squash as soon as they start to develop, it’s important to wait until they are fully ripe.
While the acorn squash will still be edible despite being picked early, it will not taste any better as soon as it’s been harvested and cut from the vine. With that being said, if you want the squash to taste its best, it’s important to wait until it’s ripe.
Ripe Acorn Squash: What Does it Look Like from the Inside?
When you think of acorn squash, you probably picture its distinctive, deeply ridged exterior. But what does this squash look like on the inside?
As it turns out, ripe acorn squash is a veritable cornucopia of color and flavor. The flesh of the squash ranges in hue from deep yellow to orange, and it is speckled with seeds encased in a web of stringy fibers.
When cooked, the flesh of the squash is creamy and sweet, making it a perfect addition to any fall recipe.
When are acorn squash ripe: Final Thoughts
Harvesting early will result in a smaller, less flavorful squash. Wait until the squash has developed its full acorn shape and deep green or brown color before picking.
You’ll know the squash is ripe when the skin is hard and difficult to pierce with a fingernail, and the stem has started to dry out and turn brown. Once picked, cut open the squash to reveal its vibrant, orange flesh speckled with seeds. Enjoy!
Related article: When to harvest Butternut Squash?