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Why can winter squash be stored for months?

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A pile of freshly harvested pumpkins and gourds in various shapes, with striped patterns in shades of yellow, orange, and green. — Cucurbitales Pumpkins and gourds, order Cucurbitales.

Winter squash can be stored for several months because they possess a relatively hard, protective rind compared to summer squash. While summer squash must be harvested while the rind is still soft and consumed quickly, winter squash are long-season plants that develop these durable, hardened exteriors.1

To ensure they remain viable for months, these fruits should be kept in conditions that are dry and well above freezing. These varieties belong to several species within the Cucurbitaceae family, including Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita maxima. Because of their tough rinds, which are generally considered inedible, they are well-suited for long-term storage into the wintertime.12