How to Preserve Zucchini Properly (Step by Step)

Learning how to preserve zucchini will allow you to use this delicious veggie all around the year easily! Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. If you find yourself in an abundance of zucchini, preserving it is a great way to enjoy the goodness of this summer veggie all year round.

I absolutely love gardening and the concept of garden-to-plate for healthier eating. It's that time of the year when you harvest fresh, crisp, zucchini from the garden and stock up for the winter months.

One of the best ways you can enjoy these blessings is to preserve zucchinis so that you can enjoy them all year round.

In this article, I'll teach you exactly how to preserve zucchini the right way! It might seem simple, but there are steps you have to keep in mind while doing it and I'll share all my secrets and tips with you.

Benefits of Preserving Zucchini

Preserving zucchini comes with a wide range of benefits. Firstly, it allows you to extend the shelf life of this star vegetable. Instead of worrying about using up all your zucchini before it spoils, you can preserve it and enjoy it months later.

This is particularly advantageous if you have a bountiful harvest or if you come across a great deal on zucchini at your local market. By preserving it, you can ensure that none of this versatile vegetable goes to waste.

But the benefits of preserving zucchini go beyond just avoiding waste. When you preserve zucchini, you also preserve its nutritional value.

Zucchini is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. By preserving it, you can lock in these essential nutrients and enjoy their health benefits long after the zucchini has been harvested.

Plus, preserving zucchini offers convenience. When you have preserved zucchini on hand, you can easily add it to your favorite recipes without having to run to the store.

Imagine the convenience of being able to whip up a delicious zucchini bread or a hearty zucchini soup whenever the craving strikes, regardless of the season. Preserving zucchini allows you to enjoy the flavors and freshness of this vegetable all year round.

How to Preserve Zucchini (Step by Step)

Preserving zucchini is simple! Here's everything you'll need for it:

What You'll Need:

• Ziploc bags: Any freezer or Ziploc bags will work great to preserve them properly.
• Grater: We'll be using a grater to grate zucchinis so we can store them easily.
• Zucchinis: And, of course, we'll need our homegrown zucchinis that we'll be preserving.

How to Freeze Zucchini:

Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush if necessary.

Next, pat them dry with a paper towel. Homegrown zucchini is much larger in size, then store-bought, which requires slicing into smaller pieces for easier handling.

Next, grate the zucchini, then scoop 2 cups and pack into a sandwich-size Ziploc bag or as much as needed to unfreeze and use for a certain type of recipe.

Lay bags flat when freezing the grated zucchini for faster thawing once needed.

Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.

Place the zucchini in the freezer and store it for up to 12 months.

Quick Tips for Preserving Zucchini

• Make sure your freeze bags are sealed tightly to prevent air from entering. Air exposure can lead to freezer burn, which can negatively impact the texture and taste of your preserved zucchini. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bags. Consider using vacuum-sealed bags for even better preservation.
• Label your preserved zucchini with the date of preservation to keep track of its freshness. It's easy to forget when you store it, and having a clear label will help you identify the oldest batches. Use a permanent marker or labels that adhere well to the bags or containers.
• Make sure not to re-freeze thawed zucchini or it will not hold its shape. Instead, it will turn mushy.
• I prefer using this kind of grater not the regular box grater to grate the zucchini because once you unfreeze, it does not look and feel mushy which makes it pretty easy to use for most baking recipes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preserving Zucchini

While preserving zucchini is fairly straightforward, there are some common mistakes that can affect the quality of the preserved zucchini.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure that your preserved zucchini tastes just as fresh as the day you froze it:

• Avoid using overripe or mushy zucchini. Opt for firm and fresh zucchini for the best results.
• Make sure that the zucchini is thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture can lead to freezer burn.
• Keep track of the freezer storage time. While zucchini can be stored for up to 12 months, it is best to use it within the first 6 to 8 months for optimal flavor and texture.
• Avoid overfilling the freezer bags or containers. Leave some room for the zucchini to expand during freezing.

Recipes for Zucchini Preservation

Preserving zucchini doesn't mean compromising on flavor. Here are a few delicious recipes that will make your preserved zucchini shine:

1. Zucchini Bread: Use your grated frozen zucchini to make a delicious and moist zucchini bread. It's perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat.
2. Zucchini Pasta Sauce: Thaw your sliced zucchini and use it as a base for a flavorful pasta sauce. Add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
3. Zucchini Fritters: Make crispy and savory fritters using your frozen zucchini slices. Serve them as a side dish or a tasty appetizer.
4. Zucchini Soup: Use your frozen zucchini to make a comforting and rich zucchini soup. Add some cream for extra indulgence.
5. Zucchini muffins: For a delicious healthy treat, try making some tasty chocolate zucchini muffins!

Watch the YouTube Video Below on How to Grate and Preserve Homegrown Zucchini:

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Printable Card

How to Preserve Zucchini Properly (Step by Step)

Valentina (Fields to Feasts)

Learning how to preserve zucchini will allow you to use this delicious veggie all around the year! My guide will teach you how to do it the right way!

Print Pin

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Rest Time4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Ingredients

  

You will need

• Sandwich Ziploc bags
• Grater
• Homegrown zucchini

Instructions

 

How to Freeze Zucchini

• Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush if necessary.
• Next, pat them dry with a paper towel. Homegrown zucchini is much larger in size, then store-bought, which requires slicing into smaller pieces for easier handling.
• Next, grate the zucchini, then scoop 2 cups and pack into a sandwich-size Ziploc bag or as much as needed to unfreeze and use for a certain type of recipe.
• Lay bags flat when freezing the grated zucchini for faster thawing once needed.
• Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
• Place the zucchini in the freezer and store it for up to 12 months.

Notes

DO NOT re-freeze thawed zucchini or it will not hold its shape. Surely it will be mushy going through the process again.

I prefer using this kind of grater not the regular box grater to grate the zucchini because once you unfreeze, it does not look and feel mushy which makes it pretty easy to use for most baking recipes.

Keyword How to Preserve Zucchini