Summer (soft rind) squash is immature fruit; it may be harvested at a very immature stage if desired by buyer (“baby”); harvest before maturity when seeds enlarge, harden; rind should be thin, soft, glossy.

Summer squash does not have a long shelf life, unlike mature winter squash. Ideally hold for less than 10 days, perhaps for up to 2 weeks at 41°F, 95% RH. Below that threshold squash may incur chilling injury if held longer than a few days. Browning, pitting and shriveling is an indicator of chilling injury, which may show up once squash is removed from the cooler and into warmer conditions.

Quality Specifications

Shape should be uniform, with overall firmness and a well-trimmed stem; uniformity is important, following quality of specific variety; size may be defined by buyer (length and width); Rind should be clear, free of insect, disease, or handling damage.

Sizes should be uniform and at appropriate maturity stage.

Common Quality Issues

Overlong stems may damage rind in handling; rind is very delicate, use gloves for harvest and handle with care to avoid scratching. Dirt on fruit may cause surface abrasions, which affect appearance and can provide entry points for  disease. 

As squash become more mature, the seeds become larger and firmer, detracting from quality.