How To Freeze Zucchini

Please help! There are so many zucchinis in my garden! How can I preserve them? For preserving veggies, I like freezing best. Many of us buy frozen vegetables, but here I’ll show you how to freeze zucchini.

What Is Zucchini?

Zucchini, scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo, is a versatile and abundant summer squash that belongs to the gourd family.

With its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, zucchini is a popular vegetable in various cuisines around the world.

From savory dishes to baked goods, zucchini finds its way into an array of recipes, adding a nutritious twist and moisture to the final product.

However, during the peak zucchini season, the abundance can be overwhelming. Freezing zucchini is an excellent way to preserve this vegetable’s freshness and taste for future culinary adventures, ensuring you can enjoy its goodness even when it’s no longer in season.

In this article, we will delve into the world of freezing zucchini, exploring the best methods to freeze it while maintaining its quality, its various uses after freezing, and some essential tips to make the most of this convenient preservation technique.

There are so many ways to freeze zucchini. Whole zucchini, sliced zucchini, shredded zucchini, and spiral-cut zucchini can all be frozen. You won’t believe how easy it is! Here is a guide to freezing zucchini, with details on each method.

There are many benefits to growing zucchini and it is a great veggie to grow in your garden. It usually yields a great harvest as well.

So, if you end up with loads of summer zucchini, you might want to know what to do with it all, so that it doesn’t go bad.

zucchini on white background

Can I freeze zucchini without blanching?

You raise an excellent point! You may want a shortcut… And it’s possible! However, the zucchini and squash are going to be mushy after thawing if they were not blanched.

As a result, you can freeze zucchini without blanching for use in 2 different ways:

This method is best if you’ll use your zucchini for baking, so even though it’ll be mushy when it’s thawed, it will still be fine to use.

Or, you won’t need to worry about it feeling spongy or too soft if you’ll be blending it in a soup or sauce

How To Freeze Zucchini?

Before cutting your zucchini, figure out what recipes you will be using it for. I freeze zucchini in slices, cubes, and as zucchini noodles. The most basic and versatile cut is in slices.

Can you freeze zucchini slices?

If you freeze zucchini, slice them first. They’ll take up less freezer space, and can be cooked without delay.

Zucchini also contains enzymes that will deplete its nutrients over time, just like many other vegetables. In addition, the vegetable will be softened and discolored. For this reason, blanching the zucchini first is a good idea.

Essentially, blanching consists of a short dip in boiling water, followed by a dip in ice water. Blanching will also eliminate any bacteria present on your zucchini. Now, you can put them in the freezer once they’ve been blanched.

Make sure they are placed in freezer baggies that are the size of pints or quarts. It’s just easier to store them this way, and they take up less freezer space when they’re arranged correctly. They will also stay fresh for longer if you aren’t repeatedly opening the same bag over and over.

Freezing zucchini, step by step:

Remove any dirt or debris from the outside of the zucchini by thoroughly washing it.

Slice the zucchini into 1/8 or 1/4-inch-thick pieces.

blanching zucchini slices in boiling water

Boil enough water to cover the zucchinis in a pot. Blanch the zucchinis by boiling for two minutes, which prevents them from discoloring and becoming mushy.

Make an ice water bath by filling up a large bowl with water and ice, and let the zucchini sit in the water for about 1-2 minutes.

blanfhrf mzucchini in ice bath

Remove the zucchini with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander. With a paper towel, gently pat the zucchini as dry as possible after it has drained.

Pre-freeze the zucchini by laying the slices out on a baking sheet and placing these in the freezer. Once it has frozen for 1-2 hours, transfer it to the freezer bags. Using this method, you’ll ensure that your zucchini doesn’t get stuck together into a large unusable clump.

You can store your zucchini for an entire year in well-sealed freezer bags.

zucchini slices on a baking sheet

Can you freeze zucchini whole?

Having too many zucchinis on hand and no time to prepare them may prompt you to freeze them whole.

Zucchini shouldn’t be frozen whole, since they will be more difficult to use when thawed. However, I do understand that it may be necessary in order to save them quickly.

Is it possible to make a meal with frozen whole zucchini? It is technically possible, so here are some ideas.

Zucchini Soup

Chopped up in pasta

Chop them up coarsely and add them to a Vegetable Soup

Can you freeze zucchini halves?

Without a doubt! Use the same method as listed above for slices!

zucchini slices and ribbons

Can you freeze zucchini noodles?

Freezing zucchini noodles is another great idea. To make zoodles, spiralize them with a spiralizer (this one is my favorite) and let them drain in a colander for a few minutes.

Paper towels can be used to soak up any excess liquid, then you can place them into single-serving containers or sandwich-sized freezer baggies, and freeze for up to 6 months.

When you are ready to use your zoodles, you can thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, put them in a colander to drain, and immerse them into boiling water for a few minutes: and voilà! Add your favorite sauce!

zucchini noodles in a white bowl

Can you freeze shredded zucchini?

As soon as the zucchini has been shredded, portion it out into small bags and store them in the freezer. Choosing the right size container for frozen shredded zucchini depends on what you’ll use it for.

This is very important because it will be difficult (if not impossible) to separate exactly how much you need from a frozen chunk of shredded veggies if they are clumped together in one piece. I recommend portioning the zucchini shreds in one cup amounts.

More How To Freeze:

How To Freeze Kale

How To Freeze Strawberries?

How To Freeze Cauliflower?

How To Freeze an Avocado?

How To Freeze Garlic?

How To Freeze Onions?

How To Freeze Apples?

How To Freeze Broccoli?

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Categories

Categories:

How-to, Ingredient Information, Resources

Courses:

Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine:

American

Seasons:

Fall, Summer

Nutrition (Per serving)

Energy:

16 kcal / 67 kJ

Fat:

0.2 g

Protein:

1.2 g

Carbs:

3.3 g

Cook Time

Preparation:

10 min

Cooking:

2 min

Ready in:

12 min

For:

4 Servings

Ingredients

2 zucchini

1 pot Boiling water

1 ice bath

1-2 baking sheets

1 freezer bag

Instructions

Remove any dirt or debris from the outside of the zucchini by thoroughly washing it. Slice the zucchini into 1/8 or 1/4-inch-thick pieces.

Boil enough water to cover the zucchinis in a pot. Blanch the zucchinis by boiling for two minutes, which prevents them from discoloring and becoming mushy.

Make an ice water bath by filling up a large bowl with water and ice, and let the zucchini sit in the water for about 1-2 minutes.

Remove the zucchini with a slotted spoon or drain in a colander. With a paper towel, gently pat the zucchini as dry as possible after it has drained.

Pre-freeze the zucchini by laying the slices out on a baking sheet and placing these in the freezer.

Once it has frozen for 1-2 hours, transfer to the freezer bags. Using this method, you'll ensure that your zucchini doesn't get stuck together into a large unusable clump. You can store your zucchini for an entire year in well-sealed freezer bags.