How To Pick Squash At The Store

How to Pick Squash at the Store

To pick squash at the store, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished skin.
 
If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle wondering how to pick squash at the store without ending up with a bland, mealy disappointment, you’re definitely not alone.
 
When you learn how to pick squash at the store the right way, you’ll bring home squash that’s ripe, flavorful, and ready to cook.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to pick squash at the store by looking at weight, skin, stem, and a few other clever tricks.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Pick Squash at the Store: What to Look For

Knowing how to pick squash at the store comes down to a few simple checks.
 
Here’s what you should keep an eye on:
 

1. Check the Weight

Heavier is better when you want to pick squash at the store because weight signals moisture and dense, tender flesh.
 
Pick up two squash of the same size and compare them.
 
The heavier one is almost always the better choice.
 
A light squash usually means it’s dry inside, which leads to a stringy or bland result.
 

2. Inspect the Skin

The skin tells you a lot about how to pick squash at the store.
 
For winter varieties like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, the skin should be matte, firm, and free of soft spots.
 
For summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash, look for glossy skin with no cuts, bruises, or mushy patches.
 
And never pick squash at the store with wrinkled skin, as that’s a sign it’s old and past its prime.
 

3. Press With Your Thumb

Gently press your thumbnail into the skin to pick squash at the store with confidence.
 
A ripe winter squash has skin that’s hard enough that your nail barely leaves a mark.
 
If your thumb sinks in easily, the squash is either underripe or starting to go bad.
 
Summer squash, on the other hand, should give just slightly without feeling squishy.
 

4. Look at the Stem

The stem is a big clue when you pick squash at the store.
 
A good stem is dry, corky, and intact.
 
If it looks green and fresh, the squash was picked too early.
 
If it’s missing entirely, you’ll want to skip it because that’s where spoilage usually starts.
 

5. Knock on It

Ever seen someone tap a squash at the store?
 
There’s a reason for that.
 
When shopping, pick squash at the store that sounds hollow when you knock on it.
 
That hollow sound means the flesh inside has matured and the seeds have had time to develop.
 
A dull thud usually means it’s not quite ready.
 

Tips to Pick Squash at the Store for Each Type

Different squash need slightly different handling when you pick squash at the store.
 
Here’s a quick breakdown by type:
 

1. Butternut Squash

To pick squash at the store like butternut, choose one with a long neck and a tan, even color.
 
Avoid any greenish patches, which mean it’s underripe.
 

2. Acorn Squash

When you pick squash at the store like acorn, look for deep green skin with a patch of orange.
 
That orange spot means it ripened on the vine.
 

3. Spaghetti Squash

Pick squash at the store like spaghetti squash that’s bright yellow and firm all over.
 
Green streaks mean it needs more time.
 

4. Zucchini and Yellow Squash

To pick squash at the store like zucchini, choose small to medium ones about six to eight inches long.
 
Bigger isn’t better here, as oversized squash tend to be watery and full of seeds.
 

5. Delicata Squash

When you pick squash at the store like delicata, look for creamy yellow skin with green stripes.
 
Since you eat the skin, make sure it’s smooth and unblemished.
 

Mistakes to Avoid When You Pick Squash at the Store

Even seasoned shoppers make mistakes when they pick squash at the store.
 
Here are the big ones to dodge:
 

1. Ignoring Soft Spots

Never pick squash at the store that has soft or dark spots.
 
Those spots spread fast and can ruin the whole squash within days.
 

2. Choosing Shiny Winter Squash

A glossy sheen on butternut or acorn squash usually means it was picked early.
 
When you pick squash at the store, go for matte skin instead.
 

3. Buying Cut Squash

Pre-cut squash seems convenient, but it dries out quickly and loses flavor.
 
If you can, pick squash at the store whole and cut it at home.
 

4. Skipping the Heft Test

It’s tempting to grab the first squash you see.
 
But if you want to pick squash at the store well, always lift it and feel its weight first.
 

5. Forgetting Seasonality

Winter squash peak in fall and early winter.
 
Summer squash shine from late spring through summer.
 
Pick squash at the store during its peak season for the best flavor.
 

So, How to Pick Squash at the Store?

To pick squash at the store, choose one that’s heavy for its size, firm, and free of soft spots.
 
Check the skin, press gently, examine the stem, and give it a knock to confirm it’s ripe.
 
Knowing how to pick squash at the store is really about paying attention to a few simple signals.
 
Now that you know how to pick squash at the store, your next meal is going to taste so much better.