Can You Freeze Zucchini?

Can you freeze zucchini? Yes! Freezing zucchini is one of the easiest ways to preserve garden zucchini to enjoy months after harvest. Learn how to freeze zucchini with this comprehensive tutorial, whether you're freezing raw, blanching, or shredding.

Why You Want to Freeze Zucchini

Freezing zucchini is such an easy way to preserve your zucchini. And whether you're just stocking up on summertime seasonal zucchini deals, or harvesting boatloads of zucchini from you garden, freezing is the way to go.

It's very convenient, has pretty minimal prep time, and there are a surprisingly versatile amount of ways you can use frozen zucchini - more on that below!

First Step: Clean Your Zucchini

No matter which method you choose for freezing zucchini, they all start the same way - cleaning your zucchini!

As a registered dietitian, I want to note that the CDC does NOT recommend using any kind of soap, detergent, commercial produce wash, or bleach solution. Even small amounts of cleaning product residue left on the produce can create gastrointestinal upset and other unpleasant side effects.

To clean zucchini (and any kind of produce) it's recommended to:

• Wash or scrub under running water.
• Cut away any damaged areas or blemishes.
• Dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel.

Freezing Raw Zucchini

Freezing raw zucchini is the most low maintenance method, but it may not be for you. If you prefer to use your frozen zucchini in cooked pasta or stir fry dishes, or grated in breads, scroll on to the blanching and grating freezing methods!

Frozen raw zucchini can get a little more watery than blanched, so it's best for short-term freezing, or for zucchini that you're going to add to smoothies (like my Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie).

To freeze raw zucchini slices:

1. Slice. Trim away the stem and blossom end of the zucchini, then slice into ¼-inch thick slices. Depending on the size of your zucchini, or how you prefer to use your zucchini, you can leave your slices whole, cut again into half moons, or cut a second time to quarter them.
2. Prep for Freezing. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicon baking mat. Then place all of the zucchini slices on the lined baking sheet in a single layer - don't overlap them!
3. Freeze. Transfer zucchini to the freezer and flash freeze for 2-3 hours, or until frozen solid to the touch.
4. Store. Transfer frozen zucchini into a freezer-safe bag, silicon bag, or container. Return to freezer and keep up to 3 months.

How to Blanche Zucchini to Freeze

Blanching zucchini takes a little extra time, but if you're planning to freeze it longer or want to use it in stir fry or pasta dishes (like my Mushroom Zucchini Pasta), it's your best bet.

When you blanche vegetables before freezing, it slows or even stops the enzymatic action that lessens flavor, color, and texture.

To blanche zucchini:

1. Prep. Trim away the blossom and stem end of the cleaned zucchini, then slice into circles, half moons, or quarters.
2. Blanche. Add zucchini to boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
3. Transfer to ice bath. Remove blanched zucchini from boiling water and transfer to an ice bath for a few minutes to stop the cooking process.
4. Dry. When zucchini is cool to the touch, transfer to a clean towel or paper towel and pat dry.
5. Freeze. Place the blanched zucchini slices in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours, until frozen solid.
6. Store. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for 3-4 months.

Freezing Shredded Zucchini

Freezing shredded zucchini is perfect if you're planning on using grated zucchini, like in breads and muffins.

To freeze grated zucchini:

1. Grate. Use a food processor or box grater to grate cleaned zucchini.
2. Wring out moisture. Place grated zucchini in a cheese cloth, clean towel, or nut milk bag and wring out all the moisture. Keep wringing!
3. Portion and bag. When zucchini has all extra moisture released, measure it in one cup portions (a pretty standard recipe measurement) and place into a freezer-safe bag.
4. Freeze. Smush the grated zucchini flat within the bag, and try to squeeze out all extra air. Label bag with the date and item, then store in the freezer 3-4 months.

Freezing Zucchini Q&A

Why is my frozen zucchini stuck together?

If your zucchini is stuck together, they were either overlapping when you froze them or at some point they thawed and re-froze together in a solid block.

Always freeze sliced zucchini in a single, non-overlapping layer. And please be cautious with food safety with foods that have thawed and refrozen. If you're concerned if

Can you freeze zucchini noodles?

You can freeze zucchini noodles, either raw or blanched, but they're typically not as enjoyable as fresh zoodles.

How do you use frozen zucchini?

Frozen zucchini can be used frozen in smoothies, or can be used in cooked dishes, like soups, stews, pastas, or stir fries.

Grated zucchini can also be thawed and used in zucchini breads and muffins.

How do you thaw frozen zucchini?

To thaw frozen zucchini, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving it to thaw, as that can make it more watery.

Do I have to blanche frozen zucchini?

You don't have to, but it's the recommended way to freeze zucchini if you want to use it in cooked dishes.

Is frozen zucchini mushy?

Frozen raw zucchini can end up the mushiest/ most watery when thawed. Blanching helps a little, but it's still mushier than the texture of fresh zucchini.

Frozen grated zucchini shouldn't be too mushy or watery, as long as you wrung out as much moisture as you could pre-freezing.

How long does frozen zucchini last?

Frozen zucchini will last 3-4 months in the freezer. Blanched or grated can last up to six months in the deep freezer. Raw zucchini is best used within a month or two in dishes like smoothies.

Zucchini Recipes You'll Love

• Mushroom Zucchini Pasta
• Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie
• Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Poblano Corn Salad with Chicken and Zucchini
• Zucchini Corn Chowder
• Antipasto Zucchini Noodle Salad

TL; DR: Can You Freeze Zucchini?

Yes! You can freeze zucchini by either freezing raw zucchini slices, freezing blanched zucchini, or freezing grated zucchini.

No matter the method, freezing zucchini is an easy and relatively low-maintenance way to preserve zucchini for months to come.

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