Pumpkins must be allowed to reach maturity before they are harvested. When mature the thick, tough skin makes it good for winter storage. The pumpkin sweetens with age as the starches turn to sugars. If picked before reaching its prime, the squash will be watery and wont have much flavor.

After harvest, winter squash should be allowed to cure at room temperature for a couple of weeks to harden the skin. Then it should be stored in a cool airy space; 50°F is the ideal temperature for storage. Squash will keep for several months at this temperature.