When is Delicata squash ripe?

[Bob Engelhardt]

The Subject says it all. We just picked an unripe one and would like to do better than trial-and-error.

Thanks, Bob

[Pat Kiewicz]

Ripe delecata squash are pale and have a very mild (but extremely sweet) squash flavor.

Ripe squash will turn colors. For a delicata, it will be less pale green and more of a warm cream, and when very ripe the squash will also show an orange blush. The dark green stripes (particularly at the blossom end) will begin to turn orange. Any pale spot (from touching the ground) will color up.

The stem will be very hard (like wood).

The rind will be tough enough that it will resist being pierced by a fingernail.

(These last two signs indicate a squash that is mature enough to store well.)

This image shows delicata squashes looking rather ripe:

[Bob Engelhardt]

Pat, thank you! The complete & easy answer!

Bob