How long does squash last?
Squash keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge, for 1 to 5 days in the pantry, up to 10 to 12 months in the freezer. USDA lists 2 kinds of squash; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
summer and zucchini
1 to 5 days
from the package date
4 to 5 days
from the package date
10 to 12 months
best quality within
All kinds of squash, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| summer and zucchini | 1 to 5 days | 4 to 5 days | no guideline | 10 to 12 months |
| winter | 2 to 6 weeks | 1 to 3 months | no guideline | 10 to 12 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
How to tell squash has gone bad
General signs for produce: fresh vegetables, the group USDA lists squash under.
- Slimy, wet leaves on greens that were crisp before
- Soft or mushy spots on vegetables that were firm
- Sprouting or wrinkled skin on potatoes and onions
- Mould, often white or fuzzy, near the stem or cut end
- Sour or off smell replacing a vegetable's usual earthy scent
More on produce: fresh vegetables. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Store leafy greens loosely wrapped in the crisper drawer, ideally with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. Keep potatoes, onions and garlic in a cool, dark, dry place outside the fridge, and store potatoes away from onions since they spoil each other faster. Trim and wash vegetables just before cooking.
More in produce: fresh vegetables
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.