Transpiration of a winter squash

[R.R.]

I was pretty surprised when I saw one of the tatume squash I have saved for winter was foaming through the stem and the liquid resulting was sticky. I got rid of the stem and, two minutes after that, it was sweating again.

After reading a little, I guess what they say in this website must be the explanation. simple transpiration

Why cure squash?

When you harvest winter squash, the mature fruits contain excess water. The process of curing squash allows some of that water to exit the fruit. Getting rid of excess water does several things:

• It concentrates the natural sugars, which makes the squash taste sweeter.
• It slows the fruit’s respiration rate, which enhances long-term storage.
• It helps reduce chances of rot.

Inspect stored squash weekly. If you see spots start to appear, move that squash away from others, placing it onto a plastic saucer. Plan to use it soonest. These spots will eventually coalesce and become water-soaked, and the entire squash will collapse in rot.

A harvested winter squash continues to breathe or respire. During the curing process, the skin becomes harder, forming a protective layer over flesh. That harder skin slows respiration, which ultimately improves fruit keeping quality. Harder skin also resists rot better, another secret for problem-free long-term storage.

http://bonnieplants.com/library/how-to-store-winter-squash/

 

[Chuck]

I knew that respiration and aspiration in plants is needed for photosynthesis but I had no idea that this process went on after harvest. Learned something new today

 

[CanadianLori]

That really startled me. This is my first year trying to grow squash.

thanks for the heads up

 

[R.R.]

You're welcome. It's a first time for me, too.

 

[Trellum]

Thanks for sharing, I had no idea squashes could do that In the first picture it looks like that poor squash has rabies, lol Very clear shots by the way, I don't grow squashes but this is good info to have just in case I'll definitely cure mine if I grow any.

 

[IcyBC]

I am going to echo all of my friend's comments from above, as I didn't know this process go on after harvest. Interesting and educational for sure!

 

[claudine]

Haha, I didn't know squashes could do that either Thank you for the information, R.R. It's very interesting. I love learning new things about plants

 

[CanadianLori]

I follwed and read the link. My squash plant is from seeds I scooped out of last year's store bought acorn squash so I now know not to plan on storing these for any length of time.

Thanks again!

 

[Chuck]

I follwed and read the link. My squash plant is from seeds I scooped out of last year's store bought acorn squash so I now know not to plan on storing these for any length of time.

Thanks again!

Some acorn squash is a winter squash also. You just have to leave it on the vine until it fully matures. On squash like R.R's tatumes you pick the immature squash for the summer and let some of them grow until fully mature for winter squash. Most of them store quite well after hardening off

 

[CanadianLori]

Well, I figure I'll give it a shot, that's if I harevest any!

The worst that can happen is one will start to break down and I can quick cook and freeze survivors.

thanks Chuck. So much learning to do...

 

[Chuck]

Well, I figure I'll give it a shot, that's if I harevest any!

The worst that can happen is one will start to break down and I can quick cook and freeze survivors.

thanks Chuck. So much learning to do...

Before you pick any to save as winter squash, use your thumbnail to see how hard and thick the skin is. The skin should be difficult to pierce with your thumbnail and shouldn't need much hardening off. Down here in Texas we have to pick winter squash a little early because if we don't the damn varmints ( field rats, mice, possums, coons and skunks) will eat into them

 

[R.R.]

This thing has been sweating for almost a week!

In the first picture it looks like that poor squash has rabies, lol

 

[Regina]

Is it safe to eat the foaming winter squash? It looks kind of gross. Is there any way to stop the foaming?

 

[Chuck]

Is it safe to eat the foaming winter squash? It looks kind of gross. Is there any way to stop the foaming?

Have you tried putting it in the fridge?

 

[Regina]

Have you tried putting it in the fridge?

No. Should i?