Market Farming

[Alliums <garlicgrower AT earthlink.net>]

Allan wrote:


> Do I have to cure this squash at all before setting it aside for CSA 
> deliveries in the next 2-4 weeks?

My understanding is that acorns don't have to be cured -- and that they 
don't keep as long, so I'd distribute them.  No answer on how to know if my 
striped or yellow ones are ripe! :-(


> Is there any point in holding or distributing squash that is firm but has 
> not ripened before the vines have died?

For butternuts and pumpkins, you can keep a not quite ripe squash on a vine 
that looks dead and often, it will ripen.  I'd take the risk with the acorns.


> Which brings up a similar question about butternut squashes: I have some 
> beauties that are still greenish and the vines are dead. Are these  a loss 
> or are they useable as food in the short term?  (ie no storage 
> possibilities) I assume that the ones that have tanned but have not 
> 'hardened' (thumbnail easily pierces skin) are appropriate for 
> distributing for immediate use.

Butternuts are a staple, so I understand them.  If they are still green, 
they ain't food for humans -- if you have livestock, though, they might 
enjoy them.  Worst comes to worst, my Border Collie thinks they are great 
chew toys -- I actually have to harvest my winter squashes when she's not 
around because if she sees me harvesting them, she will either steal one 
from the pile or yank one off the vine and go running through the garden 
with it in her mouth, then chew on it for awhile.

Even if the vines look dead, you can leave the butternuts on and see if 
they ripen.  If they are green, it's worth the risk -- they won't ripen at 
all off the vine.

If the butternut is completely tan, you can eat it, but it would be better 
cured.  Consider Afghan or Moroccan recipes as they have lots of spices to 
give the dish more flavor.

Dorene


Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator
St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden

A mission of
St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA  19460