Fresh Zucchini can be frozen sliced into rounds, chunks or shredded. It’s a great way to preserve that summer harvest for wintertime use. It’s a very easy process and when properly done it can last for several months in your freezer.
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You will need a cutting board, chef’s knife, paring knife, measuring cup and freezer storage bags. If you plan on shredding it you’ll need a shredder or food grater. I like to freeze in portion sizes that coincide with the recipes that I use. For example: When I make homemade zucchini bread or muffins the recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded zucchini. You’ll want to measure out your portions and freeze accordingly.
I recommend using freezer storage bags because you can easily purge out the air and they take up less space in your freezer. You’ll want to thoroughly label them with the contents, date and measurements. Lay them FLAT until contents are solidly frozen.
Wash zucchini under cool running water. Use a veggie brush to clean dirt from the skin if you’re leaving the peel on. If you’re removing the peel you can skip this step. I like to use my chef knife to cut it into more manageable sized pieces and then my paring knife to remove the peel since I primarily use it in shredded form. Then shred it and measure it in a glass measuring cup. Pour into my pre-labeled storage bag, purge out the air and seal shut.
If you’re cutting it into rounds I recommend cutting your rounds approximately 1/4″ thick. If you’re cubing it…no more than 1 1/2″ thick cubes. Again, peel can be left on or removed. You’ll want to pick out and remove seeds as you go along.
To thaw you’ll want to place your bag in the refrigerator overnight. You can thaw for 2-3 hours at room temperature too (but no longer than 3 hours). You can use your thawed zucchini in quiches, pancake batter, waffle batter, tossed into a breakfast casserole, to make muffins or sweet bread.
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I did something similar with my zucchini and they seem to be freezing well. I shall see how they taste in the future when I use them.
I did not know you could freeze it. What do you make with shredded zucchini? I have always eaten the rounds steamed or fried.
I measure out my shreds and use it to make muffins, sweet breads, tossed into pancake or waffle batter.
Now I know what to do when my friend comes over with extra zucchini. Thanks.
Do people know that you can freeze this?? I can remember people bringing bags full into work and begging you to take some. I have a few friends that I have to ask if they know it freezes