{"id":12598,"date":"2019-07-28T07:03:40","date_gmt":"2019-07-28T11:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growagoodlife.com\/?p=12598"},"modified":"2023-12-03T13:37:09","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T17:37:09","slug":"freeze-zucchini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growagoodlife.com\/freeze-zucchini\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Freeze Zucchini"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ah zucchini… It’s the crop that just keeps on giving. Here are five ways to freeze zucchini so you can enjoy the harvest bounty well into winter.<\/p>\n

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If you grow zucchini in your garden, you understand how prolific it can be. It is easy to go from nothing to basketfuls of zucchini in a matter of a few days.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are many ways to use zucchini and you have options of preserving the harvest bounty to enjoy well after the garden is finished for the season. Below are five ways to freeze zucchini.<\/p>\n

Tips for Freezing Zucchini<\/h2>\n

When selecting zucchini for freezing as slices, noodles, or halves, choose firm slender young zucchini about 2 inches in diameter and 8 inches long. The zucchini should be bright colored and free of blemishes, soft spots, and wrinkled skin.<\/p>\n

As zucchini grows larger, it becomes tough and develops more seeds. Large zucchini are best preserved shredded or pur\u00e9ed. Scoop out seeds and spongy areas with the tip of a spoon.<\/p>\n

Ideally, harvest just before freezing for the best quality, or up to three days. Store unwashed zucchini in the refrigerator crisper draw. Wash the zucchini well in cool running water before preparing it for the freezer.<\/p>\n

Do you have to blanch zucchini before freezing?<\/h3>\n

Blanching is the process of partially cooking vegetables in boiling water for a short time to slow the enzymes that causes lost flavor, color and texture. The process of blanching also washes off any bacteria that might be on the surface.<\/p>\n

Properly blanched, packaged, and frozen zucchini should maintain high quality for approximately 10 months. For the best quality, blanch zucchini pieces (slices, chunks, and halves) first before freezing.<\/p>\n

However, if you are pressed for time and need to get an abundance of zucchini preserved in the freezer quickly, go ahead and skip the blanching. Just be sure to use it up within 2 months and understand that it may get soft or mushy during the freezing process.<\/p>\n

I usually skip blanching shredded and noodled zucchini because the quality loss doesn’t matter when adding the thawed zucchini to baked goods. I sometimes even skip blanching diced and sliced zucchini.<\/p>\n

How to Preserve Zucchini by Freezing<\/h2>\n

Freezing zucchini is the easiest way to preserve a bumper crop and uses common equipment you probably have in your kitchen.<\/p>\n

Equipment Needed to Freeze Zucchini:<\/strong><\/p>\n