Zucchini is the sort of vegetable that can be used in almost any dish. Of course, extending its lifespan becomes an essential question, and freezing zucchini seems to be the optimal choice.
Below, we will reveal the basic rules of how to freeze zucchini and many other useful things.
Health Benefits Of Zucchini
This veggie is extremely useful just like any fresh food that grows under the sun. If you have never considered this green vegetable as a part of the daily eating, it’s time to do it right now since the benefit it gives is enormous!
- It is very low in fat which makes the veggie the top choice for those who stick to a diet
- Zucchini contains iron, zinc, and calcium
- It is a great source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K
- Zucchini is a source of antioxidants and protects us from free radicals
- Consuming zucchini regularly will result in better digestion
- It also improves the state of our skin, eyes, and heart
- Including this vegetable to the daily diet will reduce the blood sugar level
- In addition, it reduces our weight!
No wonder that, due to such beneficial characteristics, people look for the methods of preserving zucchini and extend its lifespan to its longest!
Storing Zucchini
Requirements And Instructions.
The first step one must take is to learn how to store zucchini correctly. Let’s agree that discarding the nearly fresh food all the time just because we don’t know how to keep it properly is at least unwise.
So how to preserve zucchini in home conditions?
Always follow the major instructions and be sure that the veggie will stay fresh anytime.
- For refrigerating, always keep zucchini whole, unwashed, and dry
- Make sure that the vegetable has enough air to circulate, otherwise, it will start rotting
- Store zucchini in a crisper drawer since the conditions are optimal there
- Never leave zucchini near the sources of heat or under the direct sunlight to protect it from spoiling
- Leaving it unrefrigerated too long is also prohibited for the same reasons
As a result, people often ask: can you freeze zucchini?
It could be a super way to preserve it indeed! Let’s find out whether it’s possible!
Freezing Zucchini Correctly. Complete Guide
Like many other vegetables, zucchini can be exposed to frost, of course. However, it is necessary to remember that, after it is defrosted, it will more likely be impossible to use in salads, stir-fries, or steamed veggie dishes since it may become a bit mashy.
Nevertheless, when choosing to freeze zucchini, always stick to the following instruction.
- Cut the veggies into small cubes
- Boil some water o blanch zucchini and prepare another tank with ice-cold water beside
- Keep zucchini in a boiling pot and then remove them to the ice bath instantly. It will let the blanched zucchini stay soft from outside and slightly crispy inside. Just a perfect combination!
- How long to blanch zucchini? Nearly 60 sec will be more than fine!
- Don’t cool the veggies for too long, take’em out and pat dry the rest of the liquid
- Prepare a baking sheet covered with a silicone mat and spread the veggie cubes over it in the even layer
- Toss them to the freezing camera overnight and pack into the plastic packets next morning
- Retrieve the veggies back to freeze
Naturally, a question may occur: can you freeze whole zucchini? Well, everyone usually prefers preserving this vegetable long-term when it’s already cut since it makes the defrosting and cooking process easier afterward.
Besides, preserving it whole is not the best way to freeze zucchini.
Anyway, if you’re planning to grate it later, then freezing it whole can make sense.
Just wash the vegetable, dry it, and sort into the plastic frost-friendly packets.
Freezing Zucchini Without Blanching
Another issue that bothers the home chefs is how to freeze fresh zucchini.
Indeed, preserving them unblanched is possible but it will reduce the term of storage, consider this, too.
The process itself is extremely simple and takes something like five minutes.
Wash the veggies, cut off the tops and bottoms, and grate them finely.
Sort the shredded zucchini into the plastic packets and toss them to the freezing camera!
That’s it! Nothing else needs to be done.
Defrosting Rules For Frozen Zucchini
Proper thawing plays an important role since the quality of the future dish will depend on how the vegetable was unfrozen.
For zucchini, remove them to the fridge and leave there overnight, or, if there’s no time for that, immerse the packets into a bowl with warm water.
Zucchini VS Squash. Differences And Similarities
People can often confuse these two veggies but in fact, they belong to the same family.
Both zucchini and summer squash belong to the same species. The only difference between them is their shape and color.
While zucchini is straight with the dark-green skin, summer squash has bright yellow skin and it is wider to the bottom.
If you’ve ever wondered how to freeze zucchini and yellow squash, you’ll be relieved to know that there is no difference at all. All the process from the beginning to the end is similar for both.
Can you freeze squash?
Definitely! Chopped or grated, choose yourself. It will anyway last for several months for sure. Besides, freezing squash doesn’t take much time and effort being the same as we use for zucchini.
So now you’re informed about how to store zucchini in the freezer and how to freeze yellow squash. Use these tips for preserving these healthy gifts of mother nature to enjoy them anytime!
Zucchini can be used in so many dishes including casseroles, stews, and soups. To make the menu more varied, oven-bake them with cheese, add to pizzas, or chop for the salad. Zucchini bread, muffins, and cookies, pasta, veggie rolls, and simply grilled vegetables – this sort of squash is truly a multipurpose vegetable to enjoy for every member of the family!
