Raw spaghetti squash lasts up to 2 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
How Long Will Spaghetti Squash Keep In The Fridge
Got a spaghetti squash hanging out in the fridge? You’re in luck! This versatile veggie can actually last a decent amount of time when stored properly. Let’s dive into the details of how long your spaghetti squash will stay fresh, along with some tips on spotting spoilage.
Cooked Spaghetti Squash: The Basics
Once your spaghetti squash is cooked, it’s important to get it into the refrigerator promptly. Here’s the lowdown on how long it’s good for:
- Refrigerator: Cooked spaghetti squash will last around 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. After that, it’s time to say goodbye!
- Freezer: Want to store it even longer? Cooked spaghetti squash freezes beautifully. Check out the freezing instructions below.
How To Tell If Cooked Spaghetti Squash Has Gone Bad
Don’t take any chances with spoiled food. Here’s how to know if your cooked spaghetti squash has seen better days:
- Off Smell: A sour or unpleasant odor is a surefire sign that it’s time to toss the squash.
- Strange Texture: If it feels slimy, mushy, or has any discoloration, it’s gone bad.
- Mold: Any sign of mold means it’s straight into the trash.
Freezing Cooked Spaghetti Squash
Freezing is a fantastic way to extend the shelf life of your cooked spaghetti squash. Here’s the breakdown:
- Cool completely: Allow your cooked squash to reach room temperature before freezing.
- Portion out: Divide your squash into convenient portions for future meals.
- Seal tightly: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much excess air as possible.
- Label and date: Don’t forget to add a label with the contents and date of freezing.
- Freeze: Your cooked spaghetti squash will happily stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storing Raw Spaghetti Squash
Haven’t cooked your spaghetti squash yet? No worries! A raw spaghetti squash has a surprisingly long shelf life. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cool, dark place: The best spot for your uncooked spaghetti squash is a cool, dark location like a pantry or cellar. Aim for a temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Proper storage: Avoid storing your squash in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and lead to spoilage.
- Shelf life: Stored correctly, a whole, raw spaghetti squash can last for up to 2 months!
Table 1: Spaghetti Squash Storage Summary
| Storage Method | Cooked Spaghetti Squash | Raw Spaghetti Squash |
| Refrigerator | 5-7 days | – |
| Freezer | 3 months | – |
| Cool, dark place | – | Up to 2 months |
Tips For Maximizing Freshness:
Want to keep your spaghetti squash tasting its best? Here are some additional tips:
- Choose a good squash: Start with a spaghetti squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free from blemishes or soft spots.
- Handle with care: Avoid dropping or bruising your squash, as this can lead to faster spoilage.
- Store cooked squash properly: Use airtight containers and place your squash in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Table 2: Signs of Spoilage
| Type of Squash | Signs of Spoilage |
| Cooked Spaghetti Squash | Off smell, slimy or mushy texture, discoloration, mold |
| Raw Spaghetti Squash | Soft spots, mold, leaking liquid |
How To Tell If Raw Spaghetti Squash Has Gone Bad
Unlike with the cooked variety, the signs of spoilage in a raw spaghetti squash are a bit more subtle. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Soft spots: Any areas that feel soft or mushy are a sign that the squash is starting to break down.
- Mold: Any visible mold, whether fuzzy or discolored, means it’s time to toss it out.
- Leaking liquid: If you notice your squash is leaking or seeping liquid, this is another sign of spoilage.
- Off smell: A slightly fermented or sour smell indicates your squash is past its prime.
Delicious Ways To Use Spaghetti Squash
Now that you know all about storing your spaghetti squash, let’s talk about the fun part – eating it! Here are some tasty ideas to inspire you:
- Classic spaghetti replacement: The obvious choice! Substitute your spaghetti squash strands for traditional pasta, and top with your favorite sauce.
- Stuffed squash: Hollow out your squash, fill it with savory mixtures like ground meat, veggies, or cheese, and bake until tender.
- Roasted side dish: Cut your squash into cubes or rings, toss with olive oil, herbs, and spices, and roast until golden.
- Salads and fritters: Shredded spaghetti squash works great in salads or can be formed into patties for a delicious veggie fritter.
Table 3: Recipe Ideas
| Recipe Idea | Instructions |
| Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce | Roast or microwave squash, shred strands, top with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. |
| Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats | Halve squash, scoop out seeds, fill with a savory mix, bake until tender. Options for filling include seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian mix. |
| Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Herbs | Cut squash into rings or cubes, toss with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast. |
| Spaghetti Squash Fritters | Shred squash, mix with egg, breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, pan-fry until golden brown. |
Conclusion- How Long Will Spaghetti Squash Keep In The Fridge?
So, how long will spaghetti squash keep in the fridge? Cooked spaghetti squash will last for about 5-7 days when stored correctly in the refrigerator. A properly stored, raw spaghetti squash can have an even longer shelf life of up to two months. Enjoy this healthy and versatile vegetable!