Here’s where you become a pro. Pick up the squash and give it a gentle heft. You want it to feel heavy for its size, like a little medicine ball. A light squash is a dehydrated, sad squash—it will be stringy and flavorless.
Imagine you’re choosing a dumbbell for a workout. The heavier it feels in your hand, the more dense and creamy the flesh will be. That specific gravity is your guarantee of a silky, sweet interior.
Now, Give It a Gentle Squeeze
Yes, I’m serious. Squeeze the bulbous bottom part—the round end. It should be firm, like a well-made tennis ball. If it gives even a little under pressure, it’s past its prime.
Harvesting Butternut Squash - Time for Picking Butternut Squash
The long neck, on the other hand, should feel rock-solid. If it feels soft or almost hollow, you’re holding a dud. You want a squash that practically says, “I’m ready to be roasted into caramelized perfection.”
