Learn how to freeze shredded zucchini the easy way so you can enjoy your summer harvest all year long.
Every summer I plant several zucchini plants so I can enjoy zucchini fresh from the garden.
Anyone who has ever grown zucchini knows that when it produces, IT PRODUCES.
So getting creative and finding new ways to use zucchini is a must. Even with all of the ways to use fresh zucchini, you are likely still going to have some leftover. By freezing your zucchini the proper way, you can preserve it so that it can be enjoyed for many months.
However, it is important to realize the uses for fresh zucchini and frozen zucchini are going to differ as the texture does change with freezing.
Favorite ways to use fresh zucchini
Fresh zucchini has a firm texture making it ideal to use in fresh, seasonal dishes. Here are just a few of the ways I use fresh zucchini:
- pickled zucchini
- sauted zucchini skillet with fried egg and verde
- zucchini bread
- baked zucchini chips or fries
- cheesy zucchini casserole
- zucchini noodles
Uses for frozen zucchini
Frozen zucchini has a softer texture which makes it perfect for dishes where the zucchini plays a supporting role, but isn’t necessarily the star.
- pureed and added to sauce or marinara
- baked goods like zucchini muffins, breads, or cake
- soup
- quiche or frittatas
Methods to preserve zucchini
When it comes to long term storage of zucchini you have 3 options:
- Dehydrating
- Pickling. I add this sweet and spicy pickled zucchini to all of my sushi bowls.
- Freezing. This is how I freeze my shredded zucchini in portioned sizes that are ready to use.
You may wonder why canning is not on this list. That is because canning recommendations have been withdrawn by the USDA.
How to freeze zucchini
I like to freeze my zucchini shredded in ½ to 1 cup portion sizes so I always have just the right amount on hand. Without having to defrost and entire gallon ziploc bag full of zucchini. Here are the steps I follow for perfect frozen zucchini:
- Clean the zucchini well.
- Shred the zucchini using a hand grater or the grater attachment on a food processor.
- If you want to blanch the zucchini then blanch in boiling water prior to the next step and then place in an ice water bath. This helps to keep a firmer texture but this step is optional.
- Place the zucchini in a towel and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- Divide into desired portion size. I like to scoop up the zucchini with a ½ or 1 cup measuring cup (per preference) and then place on a freezer safe tray or cookie sheet.
- Place in the freezer until frozen through, at least 6 hours.
- Transfer the frozen zucchini balls to a freezer safe ziploc bag and label with name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. For longer storage, wrap each zucchini ball in freezer plastic wrap prior to placing in the ziploc bag for added protection.
Having some gardening mishaps with your zucchini? Perhaps experiencing a strange white substance all over your zucchini plants? Check out my post on how to treat powdery mildew organically with buttermilk. You will have healthy zucchini plants in a jiffy without any harsh chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
The best ways to store zucchini long term is by freezing, pickling, or dehydrating.
Though many people can zucchini for long term storage, the USDA has withdrawn their recommendations for canning zucchini as a preservation method. Their recommended preservation methods are freezing and pickling.
1. Clean the zucchini well.
2. Shred the zucchini using a hand grater or the grater attachment on a food processor.
3. If you want to blanch the zucchini then blanch in boiling water prior to the next step and then place in an ice water bath. This helps to keep a firmer texture but this step is optional.
4. Place the zucchini in a towel and squeeze out the excess moisture.
5. Divide into desired portion size. I like to scoop up the zucchini with a ½ measuring cup and then place the scoop on a freezer safe tray or cookie sheet. However you can use whatever size you want.
6. Place in the freezer until frozen through, at least 4 hours.
7. Transfer the frozen zucchini balls to a freezer safe ziploc bag and label with name and date.
8. Freeze for up to 3 months. For longer storage, wrap each zucchini ball in freezer plastic wrap prior to placing in the ziploc bag for added protection.
Maybe or maybe not. The texture of zucchini is changed when frozen. Although you technically could replace in any dish it is best to save it for when the zucchini plays a supporting role and is not the star.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to use frozen zucchini:
1. Pureed and added to sauce or marinara
2. In baked goods like zucchini muffins, breads, or cake
3. Added to soup
4. In a quiche or frittata.
For best results, it is recommended to blanch the zucchini prior to freezing to help maintain a firmer texture. However this is optional.
How To Freeze Shredded Zucchini
Equipment
- box grater
- freezer ziploc bags
- desired size measuring cup
- freezer safe cookie sheet or flat platter
Materials
- 4 small zucchini
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the zucchini.
- Shred the zucchini with a box grater.
- Wrap the zucchini in a towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.
- Measure out desired amount of shredded zucchini and place onto a freezer safe cookie sheet (that fits in your freezer) or a freezer safe flat platter.
- Continue to add the zucchini balls to the cookie sheet, making sure they do not touch.
- Place in the freezer for about 4 hours, until the zucchini is frozen.
- Remove the zucchini from the freezer and transfer to a freezer safe zip lock bag in a single layer.
- Label your ziploc bag with the ingredient, measurement, and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. For longer storage, wrap each zucchini ball in freezer plastic wrap prior to placing in the ziploc bag for added protection.
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