How To Tell If Yellow Squash Is Bad

Yellow squash is a reliable staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Summertime is the perfect season for growing yellow squash, and there’s nothing quite like cooking up a batch of freshly picked squash.

But what happens when you go to grab a yellow squash from the fridge, only to find that it’s gone bad? 

Brown spots on yellow squash are typically a sign of aging or spoilage. These spots, which may start small and darken over time, indicate that the squash is beginning to deteriorate. Along with brown spots, other signs of spoilage include softening of the flesh, a mushy texture, and a wrinkled or dull skin. If the squash exhibits a sour smell or visible mold in addition to these changes, it should be discarded as it is no longer safe for consumption.

Many people enjoy eating yellow squash, but sometimes it can go bad before you have a chance to eat it. 

There are a few telltale signs that your yellow squash has gone bad. Keep reading to learn more about how to tell if yellow squash is bad. 

                     Good Squash                                                     Bad Squash

How To Tell if Yellow Squash Is Bad

It might be difficult to distinguish a rotten yellow squash from a fresh one. Though it is frequently confused with zucchini, this squash variety may be harmful to users when it spoils.

Whether growing them in your garden or buying them from a neighbor who grows produce, you want to be sure you’re getting the highest quality.

A bad yellow squash can ruin your dish and salads. Avoid including awful yellow squash in your kitchen by knowing what to look for.

Here’s What You Should Look For to Avoid Having a Bad Yellow Squash in Your Kitchen.

Skin Texture of a Yellow Squash

A yellow squash’s skin is smooth and completely developed. On the other hand, some have somewhat rough skin, which is appropriate.

An overly harsh texture may indicate an infestation by a pest or a lack of nutrients in the soil.

When cooked, uneven skin might be seen on the vegetable flesh, which impacts how it tastes when consumed raw. If you detect similar symptoms, avoid eating the food.

Marks and Soft Spots on a Yellow Squash

Scratches on yellow squash are a common entry point for diseases throughout the season.

The skin begins to decay as these scratches form, resulting in soft regions. This is an obvious indication that your yellow squash is bad.

Outside wrinkles are another indicator that the vegetable is not safe to eat.

Size and Weight of a Yellow Squash

The size and weight of yellow squash can determine if it is spoiled. A healthy and normal one should weigh at least 1 pound.

Both straight and kinked neck yellow squash have an average weight of 1 pound.

Another thing to consider is the size. It’s possible that any yellow squash smaller than 6 inches in diameter is hazardous.

Missing Stem of a Yellow Squash

Yellow squash must be carefully chosen. The vegetable’s stem should not be removed.

This is the feeding point, and if it’s completely detached, it becomes a susceptibility point because it is soft and delicate.

Check to see if the squash stem is still there and at least 4 inches long. If the stem is damaged, mold may develop on it, suggesting that your yellow squash is inedible.

Mold presence indicates fungus, which ravages the vegetable tissue and makes it unsuitable for eating.

Distorted Shape of a Yellow Squash

A squash with a distorted form could result from mishandling during storage or transportation.

The vegetable’s overall quality is jeopardized as a consequence. In addition, it shows signs of disease if it has been cracked through falling, and it will taste sour, indicating infection.

Color of a Bad Yellow Squash

A ripened yellow squash should have an even golden color throughout. If the color is uneven or has spots, it might signify that it was picked before maturity and stored until ripe.

When immature yellow squash still contains green shades, it is difficult to determine when they are ripe.

How Long Is Yellow Squash Good For?

To keep it fresh, you should store squash between 41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit with 95% humidity. Squash will stay fresh for up to two weeks under these conditions.

Squash kept at refrigerator temperatures of 41 degrees Fahrenheit should be consumed within four days.

Can You Eat Yellow Squash That Has Bruises or Spots?

If your yellow squash has any spots or bruises, it’s best to cut them out before using them.

That way, you’ll only be working with the freshest and cleanest part of the squash. You can then use the squash in whatever dish you’re making.

Otherwise, it might turn out mushy. A little extra effort in prep work will go a long way in ensuring that your dish turns out delicious!

If Yellow Squash Has Scratches, Is It OK To Eat?

You’re at the grocery store, and you see a beautiful yellow squash. Unfortunately, it’s the last one, and it has a few scratches. Is it still safe to eat? The honest answer is that it depends.

If the scratches are superficial and only go through the skin, the squash is probably still safe to eat.

However, if the scratches are deep enough to penetrate the flesh of the squash, then there is a risk of bacteria contamination.

In general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a different piece of produce if there is any chance that it may be contaminated.

So, if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to play it safe and choose a different vegetable.

Can You Eat Yellow Squash With Bumps Safely?

Have you ever noticed small bumps on your yellow squash? Or maybe you’ve found a squash with larger bumps that look like bruises.

You may be wondering if it’s safe to eat yellow squash with bumps.

The short answer is yes. It is perfectly safe to eat yellow squash with bumps. These bumps are simply cosmetic damage that does not affect the taste or safety of the squash.

However, you may want to avoid eating squash with large bruises, as this can indicate that the squash is overripe and starting to spoil.

So next time you find a yellow squash with a few bumps, don’t hesitate to add it to your shopping cart.

Can You Eat Squishy Yellow Squash?

Yellow squash is a thin-skinned summer squash that should be firm, not soft. If it is soft, it is probably starting to rot. When summer squash begins to get soft, black spots will appear on its skin.

They’ll turn mushy soon afterward, leaving a thick white liquid on their surface, at which time your squash should be discarded.

How Will Yellow Squash Smell if It Has Gone Bad?

Smell yellow squash first, and you’ll be able to tell whether it’s rotten. When squash rots, it emits an unpleasant odor contaminating the surrounding veggies.

If you detect such an odor, it’s best to discard the squash immediately.

If you’re not sure whether your yellow squash has gone bad, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

This is especially true if the squash is starting to emit an unpleasant odor.

What is the Difference Between Yellow and Green Squash?

Luckily, while the two are different on the outside, they’re almost identical on the inside, so you can go right ahead and swap summer squash and zucchini in the kitchen. 

Both have the same mild flavor and slightly firm texture, so you’ll never taste the difference. When they go bad, they show the exact same signs too.

What Happens if You Consume Spoiled Squash?

Squash contains a poisonous chemical called cucurbitacin E., which can induce toxic squash syndrome (not to be confused with toxic shock syndrome) in those who consume it.

Although it may appear to be quite dangerous, cucurbit poisoning is actually relatively uncommon.

However, you may not know what a bad vegetable tastes like until you try it. Because plants high in cucurbitacin are extremely and unpleasantly bitter, you’ll be able to identify a terrible veggie when you taste it.

If you bite into squash and get a foul taste in your mouth, spit it out and stop eating.

Final Thoughts

So, is there a way to tell if yellow squash is bad? Sort of. The best way to avoid eating bad squash is to buy it from a store you trust or grow it yourself.

But, if you do get a bad piece of squash, there are some ways to tell.

It will be mushy and have black spots on it. You can also cut into it and see that the seeds are brown and rotten.

Finally, taste it. If the taste is off or tastes like metal, then it’s probably gone bad.

Overall, the best way to avoid eating bad squash is to be vigilant when buying it and use your senses to inspect it for any signs that might indicate spoilage.

Keren Tayler

My name is Keren Tayler. I am a stay-at-home mama to three lovely girls, Sarah + Rachel + Hannah. Prior to becoming a mom, I had a successful career in the accounting field, steps away from becoming a CPA. I decided to give up on my career in order to raise my own kids (as opposed to letting a nanny do it, no judgment here :)) I learned a lot and I love sharing it with other moms.  Along the way, I also became a Certified Food Handler.