Zucchini is a summer squash that originated in Northern Italy. It is rich in nutritional value as it consists of healthy fats and calories required by the body. This vegetable is also known as courgette in many parts of the world. The zucchini plants are most commonly seen in home gardens.
People love to enjoy eating them by frying them. You would want to call this a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in different ways. Even though it is best known as a summer vegetable, you can store them in the freezer for a long time. Learn how to freeze zucchini here:
Can You Freeze Zucchini
People might doubt that fresh fruits and vegetables cannot be stored for a long time. But, zucchini proves you wrong. They are one of those vegetables that can be stored for a long time.
It is suggested to freeze the sliced zucchini as the whole of the vegetable may become watery after some time. Freezing them will allow people to enjoy the delicious food not just in summer but at other times of the year.
You can simply freeze the raw zucchini. But you need to be careful about them being weepy and watery. To save them in the long run you have to chop them into pieces and blanch them in the water. This vegetable in itself is very moist. So, when frozen and cooked with other food items they help to retain the moisture.
Now, answering the question of freezing zucchini the answer is definitely yes. But one needs to be careful while freezing the raw zucchini.
If you are planning to freeze them for baking purposes then you can just grate them instead of making different slices. Make the most of this frozen zucchini throughout the year by including it in different food items.
Why Freeze Zucchini
The one-line answer of freezing the zucchini would be to enjoy them throughout the year. However, there are many reasons to store them. Some of the main ideas to freeze this tasty vegetable have been explained here.
Extend the Life
The primary purpose of freezing the zucchini is to increase their life. Freezing helps to preserve this vegetable in the long run. They need to be frozen properly in an airtight container.
This will not allow any air to pass inside. When covered tightly, they can also be prevented from the outer fragrance of other items kept together.
Set the Texture
People love to have the sweet texture and the crunch of zucchini. When they are kept frozen, they will not let the natural taste and texture fade away. Freezing them in the refrigerator will help them to set the texture and retain the color in the long run.
They are the flavorful vegetable and are loved by all. So, this vegetable can be frozen and served with other various food items.
People have a misconception that frozen foods take longer than fresh ones to be cooked. However, that is not the case in every food item. Especially, vegetables such as zucchini can be prepared in a short time.
Doesn't matter whether they are frozen or not. The frozen zucchini can also be cooked in a short time. If they are kept at an extreme temperature then they can be boiled or steamed before consuming.
Versatile
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be served with many food items. Though it is mainly consumed as a vegetable, it can also be served as desserts or side meals. People cook this vegetable following different methods such as boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling.
The versatile nature motivates people to store them in the freezer for a long run.
Grown in Large Quantity
Zucchini can easily be grown in the kitchen gardens of farmhouses. They are vegetables that grow in large numbers when cultivated properly. No one of us would like to waste them as not all the zucchini can be consumed at a time. So, it is better to freeze and store them in the long run.
You can cut them into different pieces and properly airtight them. This will save the vegetable for the long run and also doesn't let the hard work of farmers to go waste.
How to freeze Zucchini
Do not waste the zucchini if you have harvested them in an abundant amount. Freezing them is always the better option. It is very convenient as well as cost-efficient. Zucchini has become the go-to ingredient for many people.
It can be cooked with various food items and perfectly complements desserts as well. The idea of freezing may differ from one person to another. However, there are different ways of freezing this delicious vegetable. Some of the major ways to freeze zucchini have been listed here.
1. Rinse the Zucchini
Cleaning should be everyone's priority. The fruits and vegetables should be washed properly before cooking or even before freezing. In a similar manner, zucchini should also be cleaned properly to remove the germs and dirt particles.
Even though this is the first step, you have to clean zucchini in the second as well as third step. Clean them before blanching and after refreezing.
The second step in freezing is to prepare the zucchini. You can use your regular method of breaking them into slices. Simply grating and keeping them in plastic bags also works well. If you are planning to chop them then cut the zucchini into small pieces which will help while blanching and freezing them.
Make sure they are chopped in uniform sizes. This will help to manage zucchini in the bags properly. The chopped sizes also affect the freezing process. You can cut them in round, oval or other different shapes but they should be adjusted properly while freezing.
This method of blanching is very important as it helps to ensure the safety of the food in the long run. Blanching prevents the food from being mushy by deactivating the enzymes present in them. It also helps to retain the color of the fruits and vegetables.
Make sure to pour water into the clean bowl and add zucchini. Do not make a mistake by adding salt. It will make the vegetable mushy and watery. After adding zucchini to the boiled water, you need to let them cool down. Add them in the iced water and pat dry them with towels and parchment appears. Now, you have to stir the ice water with the vegetable and drain it well.
People usually skip this method of pre-freezing the zucchini before actually freezing them. If you are laying slices then you have to lay them in the tray by using the baking sheet. After that keep them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours. They need to be frozen which will ensure that you won't end up with one big clump of zucchini.
5. Freeze
The most important step in the freezing process is definitely to freeze. Before freezing them you need to pack them in the freezer bags or airtight containers. While you pack them do not forget to label them properly.
Keep the packaged date and the expiry date so that everyone can understand the labeling. Even if you are not available at home, people cooking them in your absence will understand the idea of whether to cook or not. The frozen zucchini can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. So, you can enjoy this seasonable vegetable for all months of the year.
You have already learned about the different methods of freezing zucchini. All those steps mentioned earlier need to be properly followed. If you want to store them fresh for a long time then better to chop them and pack them in an airtight container. Breaking them into small pieces will make the freezing process easier as individual zucchini can be frozen nicely.
It is recommended to use a clean airtight bag or container to prevent the watery texture of the vegetable. If air passes from the bags then zucchini may degrade very quickly. To store them in the freezer for a long time, you have to make sure the freezing process is correctly adopted. A small mistake can reduce the texture and flavor of the vegetable.
It is also very important that you have to consider the color of the zucchini. If you use the raw green ones then they can be stored for a long time. The yellow color is already a sign of ripe zucchini and it definitely cannot be frozen for a long time.
It is found that the zucchini can be stored for many years where the ideal time is of 6 months. However, it can be kept in the freezer without any mushiness for 3 to 4 months.
Reheating the Frozen Zucchini
The frozen zucchini are to be reheated after a certain time of preserving them properly in the freezer. The above-mentioned recommendations will properly support the reheating of zucchini. However, it is not recommended to freeze the whole zucchini.
The whole one takes more time to thaw. They can become mushy in a short time. This will not allow you to enjoy the amazing food for all seasons.
Reheat them for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees. You have the choice to reheat the frozen zucchini in the oven, stove, or air fryer. Since this is a soft watery vegetable it doesn't require much time like that of other hard-covered vegetables.
So, reheat the zucchini at your convenience and you can enjoy them with different food items.
What to Make With Frozen Zucchini
Zucchini is one of the versatile food items that can be used from vegetables to smoothies. You can prepare many food items with this green vegetable. They are usually eaten with a meal when raw.
When frozen they can be consumed as a side dish main course or even as desserts. Here are some of the serving suggestions for you to make with zucchini.
Who doesn't love bakery items? Cake has gained all the attention of people all across the world. It's your birthday you need a cake, it's your anniversary you need cake. If you want to celebrate your success the first thing that comes to your mind should be the cake.
People might find you unique if you don't think of a cake when you are thinking of celebrating something. So, there is not anything better than having a healthy cake.
Zucchini cake is a cake that is tasty as well as beneficial to your health. People freeze the vegetables in the freezer and bake them when needed. You can add your favorite cream and topping to the cake.
Also, not just the raw zucchini but you can freeze the whole cake. You can freeze them with the icing. Make sure to freeze them as a whole and not the sliced ones. You can serve this delicious cake on a beautiful serving plate and enjoy it with your favorite people.
Zucchini Chips
Chips are perfect snacks for people. They love to have them as snacks or just to fulfill the craving for something spicy. Many people prefer chips while watching movies, and when having quality time at home with their friends and families. Usually, chips are not considered healthy. It is thought that they are full of spices.
Zucchini chips definitely are healthy. They are frozen to consume in the off-season. The chips are the best option to have this frozen vegetable. They do not even have to be thawed properly before making chips.
This food item is best served crunchy. You can make the zucchini chips in the air fryer. This will help you to maintain the natural taste and the crispiness of the food.
Now, you don't have to be worried while having snacks such as chips. The healthy zucchini chips will make your day. All the spicy snacks are not necessarily unhealthy. You can store vegetables in the freezer can serve them during off seasons.
Varieties of items can be prepared with the help of frozen vegetables and fruits.
Pasta is a go-to food for many people all over the world. It can be prepared in a short time. You can eat healthy food without even needing many ingredients. This food can be prepared based on your taste and preference. You can add your favorite seasonings such as fresh herbs, spices, and other toppings.
Zucchini pasta is one of the healthiest choices for your lunch or dinner. You can cut the vegetables into small pieces or grate them. Many people use the grated frozen zucchini during the off-season. You can add other fresh items to increase the fragrance. Any additional seasonings can be added according to your taste.
But when you are using the frozen zucchini make sure to thaw them before you use them in the pasta. You can now enjoy your healthy meal. Why fear when even snacks or side dishes can be served healthy? Just store and cook zucchini in the right way.
Author
Editor
Uttam Thapaliya
Uttam Thapaliya is an accomplished Sous Chef at Hilton Hotel Kathmandu, bringing extensive culinary expertise from his diverse experience in prestigious international hotels. Prior to his current role, Uttam served as Sous Chef at Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu and held the position of Junior Sous Chef at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. His earlier career also includes working as Chef de Partie at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, where he honed his skills and contributed to world-class dining experiences.
With a passion for culinary excellence and a strong foundation in high-end hospitality, Uttam continues to make a significant impact in the culinary world. His dedication to the craft and attention to detail have made him a respected leader in the kitchen.
