Can You Freeze Whole Zucchini?

Last updated on September 1st, 2022 at 03:34 am

Zucchini is the perfect green side for any dinner. You can fry them, saute them, or even cook them with other veggies. During summer months, some gardeners give away their extra zucchini or even sell them so they are easy to find. 

if you end up with a lot of the zucchini just sitting around, try freezing them to use later.

You can freeze zucchini without cooking it or boiling it. Just palace it in a freezer bag and store it. It should be good for up to 10 months in the freezer. 

Zucchini can be stored in a refrigerator for about one to two weeks. When you are ready to freeze the zucchini, you can freeze it whole but to take up less space slice it first. 

This way it is all ready to be cooked once it is thawed. Instead of cutting it, you can also grate or shred it beforehand. 

It is recommended that you blanch the zucchini first before freezing it. 

Blanching means to dunk it in boiling water for about a minute followed by placing it in iced water. This process destroys the enzymes and any other bacteria on the vegetable. 

Even though the texture may not be the same when the zucchini is fresh, it helps the zucchini not to become mushy and discolored. After you freeze the zucchini you can use it in all sorts of ways from bread to soup to cooking it with other veggies.

Fresh zucchini will have the best taste. Once you freeze zucchini it loses some of its flavor and texture. It is still good though after it is frozen. 

By blanching the zucchini it will be better when it comes time to cook it. You can use it in so many ways like zucchini bread, casseroles, soups, etc. 

Stored properly, frozen zucchini is great to add into all sorts of meals and dishes.

Can You Freeze Zucchini Whole Without Blanching? 

If you’re one of those lucky people who grows zucchini in a garden, has been given a lot of it, or just has so much zucchini you don’t know how you will cook it all, freeze some of it! Blanching the zucchini before freezing will help it last longer but if you want to skip this step you can.

You can freeze zucchini whole without blanching it. This will save on time but it will not last as long in the freezer.

It is recommended you blanch the zucchini first by putting it into boiling water and then dipping it in iced water to slow the production of enzymes that will cause loss of flavor, color, and texture. Blanched zucchini that 

is frozen will typically last for about 10 months. 

Blanching them before freezing provides better quality vegetables.

If you are in a hurry you can skip the blanching and still freeze the zucchini. Just make sure you use it within 2 months after putting it into the freezer. If you’re making zucchini noodles or freezing shredded zucchini, it is okay to skip the blanching step. 

You will add this zucchini to baked goods so the loss in quality doesn’t matter too much. Blanching can even be skipped when freezing sliced or diced zucchini.

How Do You Freeze Zucchini Without It Getting Soggy? 

No one wants their zucchini to get soggy in the freezer. This can make it taste unpleasant and if you were the one who worked so hard to grow it then you want it to taste good. 

So how can you freeze this vegetable without it getting soggy?

To keep zucchini from getting soggy after freezing it, make sure you prepare it properly before you freeze it. 

One of the ways you can do this is to lay the zucchini out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat. Take a dish towel and pat your zucchini until it is almost dry. 

You may not be able to get the zucchini completely dry but patting it will help prevent puddles and ice from forming. Then put the whole baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until solid. You can do this overnight.

Then transfer the frozen zucchini to freezer bags or containers. Make sure you label and date them so you know how long they have been in the freezer. Zucchini will probably keep for up to 10 months.

It can last longer in the freezer but after this it may get freezer burnt which will affect flavor and texture.

What Can You Use Frozen Zucchini For? 

The best zucchini is fresh zucchini but sometimes you need to freeze some. If you have a lot of frozen zucchini, there are several ways you can cook it Amd different things you can use it for. 

What are some of the recipes can you use the zucchini for after it has been frozen? 

Some of the best ways to use frozen zucchini is by making breads, muffins, soups, casseroles, or stir frys. Basically frozen zucchini is best when mixed with other ingredients. 

After freezing zucchini, you can use it in many different delicious ways.

One of the first ways you can use frozen zucchini is to make zucchini bread with it. Zucchini bread is yummy and a great snack or side at the dinner table. 

Another way to fix frozen zucchini is in a stir fry, soups, or casseroles. You can also try zucchini muffins or add them into scrambled eggs, frittatas, or rice. 

All of these are tasty ways to cook frozen zucchini. So if you are looking for a way to use some you have, try one of these out. 

For additional recipes visit Getty Stewart.com.  There are many other ways you can use frozen zucchini in your homemade dishes. Experiment and find what you like best!

Final Thoughts 

Zucchini is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. When you have too much of the vegetable overtaking your kitchen counters or your refrigerator it may be time to freeze it. 

You can freeze zucchini whole but it is recommended you blanch it first. This way it will last longer.  

By preparing the zucchini correctly before freezing you will preserve its flavor and texture. When you’re ready to cook some, you can use frozen zucchini for all sorts of dishes. 

Now you can enjoy zucchini for many months rather than having it go bad in a couple of weeks.