How To Freeze Zucchini 3 Ways

What Makes This Method So Good

You’ll start by blanching the sliced and spiralized zucchini by giving it a quick dunk in boiling water then immediately transferring it to an ice bath. Blanching zucchini will help to preserve its flavor, color, and texture once frozen. This super simple step makes a huge difference in the overall taste of the zucchini once defrosted!We offer not one, not two, but THREE ways to freeze zucchini! Feel free to pick and choose whichever method you prefer based on how you most often enjoy this delicious veggie. Maybe you love turning it into a low-carb pasta dish. In which case, frozen zucchini noodles are the method for you. Or perhaps you crave zucchini bread all year round, then I highly recommend this frozen shredded zucchini!If you grow your own zucchini, you know just how prolific this green vegetable is! Therefore, the next time you find yourself with one too many zucchini and not enough options to do with them, simply reference one of these methods to freeze it! It will stay good in your freezer for up to 3-4 months. Now you can enjoy this veggie’s versatility long after summer!

How To Prep Zucchini For Freezing

Zucchini Noodles: Slice off one end of the zucchini and spiralize it using your favorite vegetable spiralizer. I have owned and used a number of spiralizers over the years and found the hand held spiralizers to be the easiest and most efficient. Sliced Zucchini: Remove both ends from the zucchini then slice into 1/4-inch rounds. If you’d like smaller zucchini slices, then feel free to slice the rounds into halves or even quarters. Shredded Zucchini: Slice off the end of the zucchini then run the sliced end along a medium grater. Transfer the shreds to a towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

How To Blanch Zucchini

How To Store Frozen Zucchini

Resealable Freezer Bags – Easy to find and easy to store resealable freezer bags are hands-down my favorite method for any frozen vegetable. Simply add the frozen zucchini to the bag, seal it, then toss in the freezer until ready to use! Glass Food Storage Container – Do not skip the first freezing step if you choose to store your frozen zucchini in glass containers. Transferring freshly blanched zucchini into a glass container then into the freezer will create a sudden change in temperature, causing it to shatter. Plastic Food Storage Container – This is another super easy storage method, with nothing to be concerned about when storing your frozen zucchini!

Chef’s Tips

Do not skip freezing the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet before storing it! If you go straight into adding the zucchini to a storage container, you will return to a solid and frozen block of zucchini. Freezing on the baking sheet ensures that large pieces won’t get stuck together. This very important step will also make it easier to defrost and use when ready!When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen zucchini, simply remove it from the freezer and add it straight to your dish! I love adding the sliced zucchini to stir fries and the zucchini noodles to pasta sauces. And I almost always have the shredded zucchini on-hand for zucchini bread and/or muffins – YUM! There’s usually no need to defrost it before using, as it will get cooked along with any other ingredients. Add this frozen zucchini to smoothies for a nutritional boost! Thanks to its mild flavor, it is virtually flavorless when blended with a variety of frozen fruits. Throwing in a handful of frozen zucchini to smoothies or pureed dishes is also a super easy way to sneak extra veggies into anyone (especially your kid’s) diet!