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To pick a good delicata squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished skin.
The delicata squash is a favorite among home cooks because it’s thin-skinned, creamy, and naturally sweet.
And the best part about a delicata squash is that you don’t even have to peel it.
If you’ve ever wondered how to pick a good delicata squash, you’re in the right place.
Picking a good delicata squash comes down to paying attention to a few simple details like weight, color, and texture.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to pick a good delicata squash so you never bring home a dud again.
Let’s dive in.
How to Pick a Good Delicata Squash
Learning how to pick a good delicata squash is easier than you think, and here’s what to look for:
1. Check the Weight
The first rule when picking a good delicata squash is to pick it up and feel its weight.
A good delicata squash should feel heavy for its size, which means it’s packed with moisture and dense flesh.
If a delicata squash feels light, that’s a sign it’s drying out inside.
A light delicata squash often means the flesh is pithy and the flavor will be bland.
So always compare two or three delicata squash side by side and choose the heaviest one.
2. Look at the Skin
When picking a good delicata squash, the skin tells you almost everything.
A good delicata squash has smooth, firm skin that’s free of soft spots, cuts, or bruises.
The skin should be creamy yellow with green stripes or speckles running along its length.
If the delicata squash has soft spots, mold, or dark mushy patches, skip it.
Those spots mean the delicata squash is already starting to rot.
A ripe delicata squash will also have a dull, matte finish rather than a glossy one.
3. Press the Surface Gently
Another simple trick for how to pick a good delicata squash is the gentle press test.
Press your thumb lightly into the skin of the delicata squash.
A good delicata squash should feel hard and solid, not soft or squishy.
If your thumb leaves an indentation, that delicata squash is overripe and past its prime.
A firm delicata squash is a fresh delicata squash, and that’s exactly what you want.
4. Inspect the Stem
The stem is a small detail that matters a lot when picking a good delicata squash.
A good delicata squash has a stem that’s dry, brown, and slightly shriveled.
If the stem is still green, the delicata squash was picked too early and won’t be as sweet.
If the stem is missing entirely, the delicata squash may have a weak spot where bacteria can enter.
So look for a delicata squash with a clean, dry stem still attached.
5. Smell It
Yes, smelling a delicata squash is part of how to pick a good delicata squash.
A good delicata squash should smell mildly sweet and earthy, almost like fresh melon.
If the delicata squash smells sour, fermented, or musty, walk away.
That smell means the delicata squash is spoiling from the inside out.
A neutral or faintly sweet aroma is exactly what a fresh delicata squash should have.
Where and When to Buy Delicata Squash
Knowing how to pick a good delicata squash also means knowing where and when to shop.
Delicata squash is in season from early fall through winter.
That’s when you’ll find the freshest delicata squash at farmers markets and grocery stores.
Buying a delicata squash in peak season means better flavor and a lower price.
If you’re shopping at a farmers market, ask the grower when the delicata squash was harvested.
The fresher the delicata squash, the better it will taste when roasted or stuffed.
How to Store a Good Delicata Squash
Once you’ve mastered how to pick a good delicata squash, storing it properly keeps it fresh.
Keep your delicata squash in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
A pantry shelf or a countertop corner works great for a delicata squash.
Don’t store a delicata squash in the fridge unless you’ve already cut it open.
A whole delicata squash can last anywhere from one to three months when stored right.
A cut delicata squash should be wrapped and refrigerated, then used within a few days.
So, How Do You Pick a Good Delicata Squash?
You pick a good delicata squash by choosing one that feels heavy for its size, has firm skin, and shows no soft spots.
A good delicata squash is firm to the touch, has a dry stem, and smells mildly sweet.
Avoid any delicata squash that feels light, looks glossy, or has mushy patches.
Remember, picking a good delicata squash is really about trusting your senses.
Heavy, firm, and creamy-striped is the delicata squash you want in your basket.
Hope this post has helped you learn how to pick a good delicata squash so your next roasted squash dish turns out perfectly sweet and creamy.