All About Spaghetti squash
Your complete guide to spaghetti squash - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Spaghetti squash Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for spaghetti squash in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
raw in freezer6-8 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong off-flavors after thawing, mushy texture after thawing (though some texture change is normal).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. While safe, freezer-burned squash will have a compromised texture and flavor. After thawing, smell for any off-odors.
Storage Tips
To freeze raw, halve and remove seeds. You can blanch halves for a few minutes, cool, then freeze; or shred raw and freeze. Pack into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
whole, uncut at room temperature1-3 months
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black patches), weeping liquid, strong unpleasant or fermented odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect the entire surface for mold or discoloration. Gently press on the skin; any areas that feel soft or mushy indicate spoilage. Smell the squash for any sour, musty, or fermented odors.
Storage Tips
Store in a single layer if possible, avoiding direct contact with concrete floors which can draw moisture. Do not wash before storage as this can remove the natural protective layer and encourage spoilage. A pantry, cellar, or cool cupboard works best.
cut, raw in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy texture on the cut surfaces, darkening or browning of the flesh, sour or off-odor, visible mold growth.
How to Check
Visually check for discoloration or mold. Touch the cut surface; if it feels slimy or excessively wet, it's likely spoiled. Smell for any sour, yeasty, or unpleasant odors.
Storage Tips
Wrap cut pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Store in the crisper drawer for optimal humidity.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, fermented, or off-odor, slimy texture, visible mold growth, unusual discoloration (beyond normal browning from cooking).
How to Check
Smell for any sour, musty, or unpleasant odors. Visually inspect for mold or unusual color changes. Check for a slimy or overly wet texture.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked spaghetti squash rapidly within two hours of cooking before refrigerating. Store in a shallow, airtight container to maximize freshness and prevent contamination.
cooked in freezer8-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), loss of flavor, or development of off-flavors after thawing.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn. While safe indefinitely at 0°F (-18°C), quality degrades over time. Check for off-flavors after thawing.
Storage Tips
Cook the squash until tender, shred, and cool completely. Squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a watery texture upon thawing. Pack into airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving minimal headspace. Label with the date.