If you are wondering how to freeze zucchini you are in the right place. Freezing zucchini is incredibly quick and easy and a great way to keep it fresh all year round.
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that you can add to any dish without the risk of wrecking your meal. Zucchini has a very mild taste and absorbs the flavor of anything that you put next to it.
Suppose you add onions, tomatoes, or garlic. In that case, your zucchini will rapidly render to those flavors, making it a great addition to a significant variety of meals.
Zucchinis originated in Central America and Mexico and were taken to Europe by the Spanish to cultivate them.
Zucchinis are part of the Cucurbita family (pumpkin and squash), grow fast in tropical or warmer temperatures, and are very easy to cultivate with great results when harvested.
There are several varieties; they come in yellow, green, long, or oval. When talking about zucchini’s benefits, one can say that it is this low in calories and easy to digest.
This vegetable is loaded with potassium, vitamin A, C, B6, B9, lutein, riboflavin, and thiamin.
It is also easy to find in almost any market worldwide, and its cooking time is speedy.
Can you freeze zucchini?
Definitely!. You can freeze zucchini, and it will last for several months in the freezer.
You can use frozen zucchini for soups, casseroles, sauces in smoothies, or baking dishes.
How to freeze zucchini (Step by Step)
There are two ways to freeze zucchini. You can freeze zucchini raw or blanched.
Raw zucchini can be used for smoothies instead of ice since zucchinis will not change the taste of your drink but instead will add vitamins and minerals.
You can freeze raw zucchini the following way:
- Wash zucchini thoroughly and remove the ends.
- Cut zucchini in slices or lengthwise and then in smaller pieces, or you can even shred it.
- Arrange zucchinis one next to the other on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. You can use parchment paper to avoid zucchinis sticking to the baking sheet.
- Remove from the freezer and bag in freezing bags. It is best to pack in the same size bags, like 1 cup, to make it easier when following recipes.
- Label and date them and put them back in the freezer.
You can blanched zucchini the following way
- Wash zucchini thoroughly.
- Cut zucchini in slices or lengthwise and then in smaller pieces, or you can even shred it.
- Place the zucchini in a pot of boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes, drain water.
- Pour the zucchinis into an ice water bowl for 1 or 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Place zucchinis in a colander to drain water and use paper towels if needed.
- Lay zucchini in a lined baking sheet and freeze for a few hours.
- Remove from the freezer and bag in freezing bags.
- Label and date them and put them back in the freezer.
FAQ about freezing zucchini
Why is it a good idea to blanch zucchini?
Zucchini is 95% water. Blanching zucchinis stop enzymes from causing discoloration and softness once defrosted.
For how long can you freeze zucchini?
You can store zucchinis for about 6 to 8 months, maybe longer if correctly done.
Do all zucchini have the same amount of nutrients?
If compared with other varieties, yellow zucchinis have slightly more significant amounts of vitamins.
Implements and equipment you need to freeze zucchini
To freeze raw zucchini, you need:
- Zucchini.
- Knife.
- Cutting board.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper.
- Plastic bags.
To blanch the zucchini:
- Zucchini.
- Knife.
- Cutting board.
- Pot for boiling water.
- Bowl for ice water.
- Colander.
- Paper towel.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper.
- Plastic bags.
How to thaw zucchinis
The best way to thaw zucchini is to place it in the refrigerator the night before or under running water or in the microwave on low power and frequently check to avoid cooking.
What can you make with frozen zucchini?
You can add frozen zucchini to soups, sauces, and stews.
You can also prepare delicious smoothies in just a few minutes.
The zucchini will not affect the flavor of the smoothie. Still, it will add creaminess, as well as providing antioxidants and potassium.
So next time you make a smoothie with your favorite fruit, don’t forget to add some frozen zucchini chunks!