How to Freeze Zucchini
Don't let that garden zucchini go to waste! Today we're talking about how to freeze zucchini (sliced and shredded) so you can enjoy that summer harvest year round.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 17kcal
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, or more
- freezer-safe bags
Instructions
Sliced or cubed zucchini
- Slice zucchini into thick, ½ inch slices or cubes.
- Optionally: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add zucchini slices (or cubes) and blanch for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to an ice bath (water and ice in a large bowl) and allow to cool completely.
- Whether blanched or not, pat zucchini slices dry on all sides.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until frozen solid.
- Transfer frozen zucchini slices to an airtight, freezer-safe bag, remove excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store in the freezer for 3 months or more.
Shredded zucchini
- Using a box grater or food processor with grating blade, shred zucchini. Discard any excess, pooling liquid and transfer zucchini into airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for 3 months or more.
- To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Or, place sealed plastic bag in a bowl of warm water to thaw quickly.
Recommended Equipment
Notes
- Blanching can help prolong the color and flavor of your frozen zucchini slightly, but is optional. I tested both methods and did not notice a difference between blanched and raw zucchini after thawing.
- Zucchini, blanched or not, will be slightly watery and softer than fresh zucchini. Zucchini is made of 95% water, making it a high water content vegetable. This means that it will get soft and a little 'mushy' after freezing and thawing.
- Frozen zucchini is best for recipes like soups, stews, smoothies, and breads where a firm texture is not important.
Nutrition Estimate
Serving: 0.5zucchini | Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg