Can You Keep Yellow Squash in the Fridge? A Comprehensive Guide

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from Mississippi State University Extension, yellow squash stores best in the refrigerator, where it can last for 5 to 7 days. The key to proper storage, however, lies in a few simple steps that prevent spoilage and maintain its crisp texture. So, can you keep yellow squash in the fridge? The answer is a resounding yes, and doing so correctly is crucial for enjoying its fresh flavor and nutrients.

Quick Summary

Storing whole yellow squash in the refrigerator's crisper drawer is the best short-term method, extending its freshness for up to a week. Proper preparation involves keeping it unwashed until just before use and placing it in a perforated bag to manage moisture. For longer preservation, freezing is an excellent option after blanching the squash.

Key Points

Refrigeration is Essential: Yellow squash, a summer variety, has a thin skin and high moisture content, requiring cold temperatures to delay spoilage.
Store Unwashed and Whole: For short-term storage (5-7 days), keep whole, unwashed squash in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.
Manage Moisture: Place the squash in a perforated plastic bag or a loose paper bag in the crisper drawer to control humidity and airflow.
Separate from Ripening Fruits: Avoid storing yellow squash near ethylene-producing produce like apples and bananas, as this will speed up its decay.
Use Cut Squash Quickly: Cut yellow squash should be stored in an airtight container and used within 1-2 days.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: For preservation beyond a week, blanching and freezing is the best method, extending the shelf life up to a year.
Distinguish from Winter Squash: Unlike hard-skinned winter squash (butternut, acorn), yellow squash should not be stored at room temperature for extended periods.

Why Refrigerate Yellow Squash?

Summer squashes, including yellow squash, have a delicate, thin skin and high moisture content, making them more prone to spoilage compared to their hard-skinned winter counterparts. The cooler, stable temperature of a refrigerator significantly slows down the natural decay process, preserving the vegetable's color, flavor, and firm texture. Storing it in the fridge is essential for extending its usable life beyond just a day or two on the countertop. Proper refrigeration techniques help prevent common issues like mold growth and mushiness.

The Best Practices for Refrigerating Whole Yellow Squash

For the best results, follow these steps to store your whole, uncut yellow squash:

Do not wash immediately: Avoid washing the squash until you are ready to use it. Excess moisture on the skin can encourage mold and spoilage. A damp cloth can be used to wipe off any visible dirt, but a full wash is best saved for prep time.
Maintain proper airflow: Placing the squash in a perforated plastic bag or a paper bag allows for some air circulation while still maintaining a humid environment. Some sources suggest a plastic bag with one end open. This balance is key to preventing the squash from drying out or becoming too damp.
Use the crisper drawer: The vegetable crisper drawer in your refrigerator is designed to maintain a higher humidity level than the rest of the fridge, providing the optimal environment for yellow squash.
Keep it separate: To further extend its life, keep your yellow squash away from ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes, which can accelerate the squash's ripening and decay.

How to Store Cut Yellow Squash

Once a yellow squash is cut, its shelf life decreases dramatically. For cut pieces, you should plan to use them within 1 to 2 days. The storage method also changes slightly to prevent the cut surfaces from drying out or becoming slimy.

Wash and cut: Wash the squash thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut it into the desired pieces for your recipe.
Use an airtight container: Place the cut squash in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. This prevents moisture loss and exposure to other foods in the fridge. Alternatively, you can wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap.
Use quickly: Unlike whole squash, cut pieces should be used within 24 to 48 hours for the best quality.

The Difference Between Refrigerating Summer and Winter Squash

While yellow squash is a summer squash that needs refrigeration, this is not true for all squash varieties. Winter squash, such as butternut or acorn squash, has a much thicker, harder skin, allowing it to be stored differently.


Storage Factor	Yellow Squash (Summer)	Butternut Squash (Winter)
Storage Location	Refrigerator crisper drawer	Cool, dark pantry or cellar
Shelf Life (Uncut)	5 to 7 days	Up to several months
Best Container	Perforated plastic bag	Open air, no wrapping
Moisture Needs	Requires moderate humidity	Requires low humidity
Key Storage Difference	High moisture content and thin skin require refrigeration to slow decay.	Hard, thick skin protects it, so cold temperatures are unnecessary.

Long-Term Storage: Freezing Yellow Squash

If you have an abundance of yellow squash and won't be able to use it all within a week, freezing is an excellent long-term option. Freezing allows you to enjoy the taste of fresh summer squash for up to a year.

Here’s a simple process for freezing yellow squash:

Preparation: Wash and cut the squash into 1/2-inch slices or cubes. You can also grate it for use in baked goods.
Blanching: Blanching is a crucial step that preserves the squash's color, flavor, and texture by deactivating enzymes that cause deterioration. Boil the squash pieces for 3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath for 3 minutes to stop the cooking process.
Freezing: Drain the blanched squash thoroughly. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
Packaging: Transfer the frozen pieces to airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store in the freezer.

Conclusion

In short, you can and should keep yellow squash in the fridge for short-term storage to preserve its quality and extend its freshness for up to a week. For this to be effective, it's crucial to follow specific steps, including not washing it beforehand and using the crisper drawer with proper air circulation. For longer-term needs, blanching and freezing is the optimal method, allowing you to save the season's bounty for months to come. By understanding the specific needs of this summer squash, you can minimize waste and enjoy its delightful flavor whenever you're ready to cook.

More resources on squash storage

For more detailed information on preserving summer squash, including freezing, canning, and drying techniques, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation website at https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/vegetable/freezing-summer-squash.html.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whole, unwashed yellow squash can be stored in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for about 5 to 7 days, though some sources suggest it can last slightly longer.

The best method is to place whole, unwashed squash in a perforated plastic bag or a loose paper bag within the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This maintains proper humidity and airflow.

No, it is best not to wash the squash before storing it. Excess moisture can promote mold growth and decay. Only wash it right before you plan to cook it.

Yellow squash can be left on the counter for a day or two, but for maximum freshness and to extend its shelf life, it should be refrigerated. Room temperature storage accelerates its ripening and decay.

Cut yellow squash should be placed in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and refrigerated. Plan to use it within 24 to 48 hours, as its shelf life is much shorter once cut.

To freeze yellow squash, first wash and cut it into slices or cubes. Then, blanch the pieces in boiling water for 3 minutes before plunging them into an ice bath. Finally, freeze the pieces on a tray and transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for long-term storage.

No, yellow squash and zucchini are both summer squashes with similar storage requirements. They should both be refrigerated in the crisper drawer to maintain freshness.