Sugar content question?

[nao57]

So... I grow melons and pumpkins,...amongst other things. I've been doing this awhile. It works. Pumpkins are especially good for beginner and intermediate people because they aren't as fragile as other vegetable plants like melons.

Anyway, one of the possible(?) lies I heard is that the sugar content can't change after you pick them for both these. But I've picked them and then had some where the sugar content did improve while it was on the shelf. So this makes me question if this is wrong information?

I do agree that there's a finite amount of matter still once they are picked and that that amount of matter won't change. But I don't necessarily think that there isn't some adjustment in there once picked because you can see how tomatoes and others do change color and adjust after picked. So, comparing tomatoes to this I think there has to be some adjustment in the argument over this because the taste and color DO improve after picking them.

Curious what you think about this?

 

[Sally PB]

In squash, starches can turn to sugar. My butternut squash was always sweeter and more tasty in December after sitting for a couple of months after picking.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I grow 100+ pumpkins of varieties that last me until summer of the next year and mine always get sweeter as they age. Pumpkins are like fine wine

 

[nao57]

I grow 100+ pumpkins of varieties that last me until summer of the next year and mine always get sweeter as they age. Pumpkins are like fine wine

Yes! Thank you for speaking up. I'm glad I was able to confirm this with someone. There is a lot of misleading inforamtion out there.

Also, 100+ is VERY impressive. You sound like you have a very good set up.

 

[nao57]

In squash, starches can turn to sugar. My butternut squash was always sweeter and more tasty in December after sitting for a couple of months after picking.

Thank you for speaking up. This is amazing when we can bounce ideas of each other to have a better life without having to spend tuition money on it.

 

[Sally PB]

This is amazing when we can bounce ideas of each other to have a better life without having to spend tuition money on it.

My tuition was time spent in the garden. Happy to pass on what I learned from experience.

 

[nao57]

My tuition was time spent in the garden. Happy to pass on what I learned from experience.

I really like also how people on this site like to help each other. its special.

 

[PopoMyers]

If you are also asking about melons, they stop when you pick them. No further sugar development. They just get musher as they sit. I always had trouble telling when to pick watermelons and cantaloupe. Can't grow them where I live now.