Spaghetti squash is a fun and versatile winter squash loved for its noodle-like flesh when cooked. However, sometimes gardeners run into an issue where the seeds inside the squash start sprouting before it’s cut open. This often happens if the squash has been stored for an extended period of time. While sprouted spaghetti squash is still edible if cooked thoroughly, the sprouts change the texture and flavor. Here’s a look at why squash seeds sprout and what to do if this occurs with your spaghetti squash.
Why Squash Seeds Sprout
Winter squash varieties, including spaghetti squash can be cured and stored for use over the winter months when fresh produce is limited. During storage the seeds remain viable inside the squash. If stored squash isn’t used quickly enough, the seeds may germinate and begin growing, using nutrients and moisture from the flesh.
Several factors can lead to sprouting seeds
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Squash stored too long past optimal use Spaghetti squash may keep for 1-2 months ideally
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Storage conditions too warm and humid. Seeds sprout more easily above 50°F.
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Squash harvested past full maturity. Seeds in overripe squash sprout more readily.
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Damage during curing. Cuts and bruises allow moisture into the flesh.
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Inadequate curing before storage. Curing helps squash skins seal.
With proper postharvest care, it’s possible to minimize sprouting. But some sprouting is inevitable if squash must be stored many months. The good news is sprouted spaghetti squash is still useable if cooked thoroughly.
Identifying Sprouted Squash
It’s not always obvious from the outside that seeds have sprouted within a spaghetti squash. A few signs to look for:
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Soft indentations on the rind from emerging sprouts.
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Mold or mushy spots if sprouts broke through rind.
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Condensation inside if sprouts raised humidity.
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Weight loss as sprouts consume moisture.
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Rind feels looser if sprouts degraded flesh.
Cutting open the squash provides definitive evidence through visible sprouts. Sprouts may range from small nubs to several inches long when advanced. The flesh around sprouts becomes translucent and soft.
Using Sprouted Squash
Sprouted spaghetti squash can still be salvaged for cooking if sprouts are removed. Here are some tips:
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Cut sprouted areas off completely. Discard sprouts and adjacent flesh.
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Cook squash thoroughly until tender when pierced. This kills any bacteria from spoiled sections.
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Consider adding squash to baked dishes or soups rather than eating it plain. Cooking dilutes off-flavors.
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Avoid eating raw sprouted squash. Always cook to prevent foodborne illness.
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If extensive sprouting, discard the squash. Err on the side of caution.
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Compost discarded sprouted portions and shells rather than eating.
With heavy sprouting, the overall quality suffers, so using sprouted squash in dishes is best. But light, localized sprouting can be cut away, allowing safe eating after thorough cooking.
Storing Squash to Prevent Sprouting
While some sprouting is expected eventually, proper storage helps delay it. Here are tips for storing spaghetti squash:
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Harvest squash at full maturity when rind is tough.
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Cure squash 10-15 days in 80-85°F, 80-85% humidity.
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Store cured squash at 50-55°F, 50-70% humidity.
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Inspect periodically and remove any spoiled squash.
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Use within 1-2 months for peak quality and minimal sprouting.
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Cut away damaged or bruised areas which invite rot.
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Keep squash dry during curing and storage to prevent mold.
With attentive postharvest practices, it’s possible to enjoy homegrown spaghetti squash for months past summer’s end. A few errant sprouts won’t ruin the squash if promptly removed before cooking. Embrace spaghetti squash’s sweet, nutty goodness even into winter by minimizing conditions that wake seeds prematurely from their slumber inside this tasty treat.
Frequency of Entities:
- squash: 16
- sprout: 10
- seed: 9
- spaghetti: 8
- store: 5
- cook: 4
- flesh: 3
- cure: 3
- cut: 2
- eat: 2
- mold: 1
- humidity: 1
- mature: 1
- damage: 1
- discard: 1
- compost: 1
- prevent: 1
Easy Way to Grow Spaghetti Squash
FAQ
Is it okay to eat spaghetti squash if the seeds have sprouted?
Can you eat squash seed sprouts?
Can I grow spaghetti squash from the seeds inside?
Do squash seeds sprout?
How to grow Spaghetti squash from seed?
This way they have time to develop some roots and the strength to move. Next in how to grow spaghetti squash from seed is to move the plants to a bigger space. Transfer the seedlings to a larger space, whether that’s an outdoor plot, or a larger container. Separate the seedlings further away from one another, to allow them extra space to move.
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
How do you cook spaghetti squash seeds?
Toss spaghetti squash seeds with oil, maple syrup, cumin, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Spread on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir the seeds and continue baking until golden and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Large rimmed baking sheet To harvest seeds from spaghetti squash, scoop out the inside of the squash.
Can you roast Spaghetti squash seeds?
Yes, you can roast them! Just like you would roast pumpkin seeds and snack on those, spaghetti squash seeds are edible and make a great snack. You can roast spaghetti squash seeds, butternut squash seeds, even acorn squash seeds. how do I get the seeds from the spaghetti squash?