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Last Updated on September 21 , 2023
We ’ve all been there : you ’ve been uneasily awaiting zucchini time of year , perhaps patientlyhand - pollinatingtheir blossoms , the fruit starts to come along , then all of the sudden … BAM ! You have mountains of squash on your hands ! You ’re already getting pallid of it , and the produce time of year has just begun . Sound familiar?I feel you . Or maybe you don’tgrow your own , but suddenly have an copiousness of squash to habituate . Either fashion , do n’t let the extras go to waste ! Instead , let ’s talk about how to block zucchini and squash – so you’re able to save it for a rainy Clarence Day .
Read along to learn two different room to block zucchini and summertime squash : grated or in pieces . freeze zucchini is one of the straightaway - and - easiest ways to keep excess zucchini . In this post , I ’ll allow for some tips to get the beneficial final result potential , reduce waste material , and how to apply quick-frozen courgette afterwards . As much as we grow trite of squash rackets during the summertime , we ’re always well-chosen to have the deep freezer sprout for the off - time of year !
Need some ideas to use zucchini fresh? Don’t miss these delectable recipes:
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The Best Way to Freeze Zucchini: Grated, Slices, or Pieces?
That depends ! Before freeze , it ’s best toprepare the courgette how you plan to use it later . import , it is n’t a good idea to immobilize courgette whole . When it first comes out of the freezer , it will be too hard to cut . You also wo n’t need to hold back until it in full defrosts , as it will become quite diffused by then .
Do you want to freeze zucchini forsoup ? Then cut and freeze it in raciness - size pieces or slices . To freeze zucchini for habit in bread , muffin , or otherbaked goods , I suggest grating it before freezing – since that is how it will be added to the recipe subsequently . To utilize frosty zucchini in smoothies or sauce , you could go either way . We always store a little of both !
In this particular post I show examples of freeze out shredded or grated courgette as well as in clod , though you may also cut them into round slices . you’re able to even freezezoodles , also known as zucchini noodles – made with aspiralizer like this . Because they will become diffuse and watery after they defrost , frozen zoodles are n’t idealistic to enjoy as a brisk alimentary paste substitute – though they ’re a capital addition to soup , chilli , or stew !
Do I have to blanch zucchini before freezing it?
Nope!We do not pale zucchini before freezing it , and you do n’t “ have to ” either . The purpose of blanching food for thought , or the act of quickly drown it in boiling H2O and then crank water , is to halt certain enzyme activity within the intellectual nourishment . In turn , it can aid food retain somewhat good colour , texture , and quality over clock time . So , it ’s not abad thingto blanch zucchini before freezing it if you wish to ! However , we do n’t find the superfluous step of blanching to be really worth it for squash . Either way , it will mince after being freeze … which leads us to our next question :
Does frozen zucchini retain it’s texture?
Zucchini has a very high water depicted object , so it wo n’t retain a crispy fresh - same grain after being immobilize . As flash-frozen zucchini defrosts , it becomes soft and watery ( whether you blanch it first or not ) . I do n’t find it unappealing though ! Especially if it ’s just going to cease up in soup , chili pepper , stew , bread , or a charmer anyways .
How to Blanch Zucchini
If youdochoose to blench courgette before freezing it ( again , this is completely optional ! ) , fall out these easy direction : while you prep the courgette , bring a commode of piss to a boil . Also get a large bowl of ice water ready . Once the water make a rolling boil , toss in the courgette and permit it to cook forone min . Next , instantly drain ( or scoop out ) the zucchini using a strainer or slot spoonful and transfer it to the internal-combustion engine bathing tub . Finally , dry out the zucchini before freezing it – following the directions below .
How to Freeze Grated Zucchini and Squash
The Best Way to Freeze Zucchini Slices or Chunks
How long does frozen zucchini last or “stay good”?
For optimum timber , use flash-frozen courgette within3 monthsof freezing . However , it wo n’t necessarily “ go bad ” after that ! It will simply have more chance of developing freezer tan or become more and more soggy once thawed . Again , if its final finish is in something as absolvitory as soup , stew , sauce , chili con carne or something similar – I ’d rather use somewhat “ old ” icy zucchini than let it go to waste . For instance , we often supply fixed squash vine to winter soups that were develop the old summer – no problem ! Do design to use it withinone year .
How to Use or Cook Frozen Zucchini
Frozen zucchini is a welcome addition and upright backup for fresh squash rackets in most formula – exceptfor those where you ’d require a firm zucchini grain , like grill veggie kabobs or a bowlful of refreshful zucchini noodles . The nip of zucchini is so mild that it seamlessly blends into whatever you ’re add it to . It ’s a groovy one for “ swipe ” supererogatory vegetables into meal – even smoothie !
There isno needto completelydefrostfrozen courgette before add together it to a recipe , or to amply cook it like you would raw squash . As frozen zucchini thaws , it becomes soft in any event . So , all you postulate to do is let it heat all the elbow room through before consuming . For soups , sauce , chili con carne , and standardized , I advocate adding the frozen squash near the close of the cookery time . agree out ourno - chicken noodle souporvegan guy sugar pie pumpkin 3 - bean chilirecipes for a few ideas you could add frozen squash to !
To add frozen zucchini to simoleons or other baked goods , you may require to let it partly defrost to fall apart up the bunch of shredded piece for gentle mixing . Since we already take away most of the extra moisture from the squash before freezing , you do n’t demand to strain it again ( unless it seems unbelievably soggy ) . Yet if you ’re making lasagna , casserole , quiche , or another formula where append liquid will not be welcome , it ’s best to thaw the zucchini to debilitate off excess liquid before using it .
Easy peasy, zucchini squeezy!
How to Freeze Zucchini (Summer Squash) Two Ways
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
