Picking a Ripe Acorn squash

Acorn Squash are in season. Here’s what to look for!

A ripe Acorn Squash is heavy for its size and has smooth, dull skin, and no soft spots. A good mix between green and orange coloring is desired.

Avoid an Acorn Squash that has shiny skin, which indicates it was picked before full maturity, unless the producer has applied wax. Also avoid Acorn Squash that are over three pounds, as these have probably been picked past their optimal time and may be dry and stringy inside.

You may eat and cook with overripe Acorn Squash, but if the inner flesh contains any dark or mushy spots, throw it out.