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Freezing Zucchini

posted August 24, 2021 by Sarah // 7 Comments »

Learn all the tips and tricks for Freezing Zucchini to extend the harvest. Learning how to freeze zucchini using multiple methods, is a great way to preserve this delicious summer veggie.

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Zucchini is one of those garden crops that can go from “this is great” to “I’m extraordinarily overwhelmed by this” in about 45 seconds.

When you’ve already made Air Fryer Zucchini Chips, Double-Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, and Fried Halloumi with Bruschetta Zoodles, it’s time to save all the extras for delicious future meals.

So just like freezing blackberries, freezing cherries, freezing peaches, freezing peas, freezing onions, and freezing strawberries, we’re preserving the crop in the freezer. That’s right, the freezer. No need for canning equipment or anything fancy. Check out my complete guide on how to freeze fresh produce.

Can You Freeze Zucchini?

Yes! Zucchini works really well in the freezer. And if you’re not from the states you might be searching for freezing courgettes. You’re in the right place!

The way you choose to freeze it (shredded, zoodles, slices, or whole) will depend on how you plan to use it when it has thawed.

Frozen veggies, including zucchini, are standard items of our Freezer Essentials. Add some shredded zucchini into Instant Pot Lentil Soup, or Instant Pot Turkey Chili to increase the veggie content without any fuss.

How to choose zucchini for freezing

You’ll want to look for small to medium-sized zucchini with thin skin. When overlooked zucchini start approaching that “baseball players could use this as a bat” stage, there is nothing you can do to salvage that. Compost it or offer it to a friend with chickens (like me!).

IS IT OK TO FREEZE Zucchini WITHOUT BLANCHING?

Yes. And no. It’s heavily debated in preserving circles (a truly raucous group…) if you should freeze zucchini with or without blanching. At the end of the day, it is your choice.

If you decide to NOT blanch your zucchini before freezing, try to use those up within two to three months. Frozen zucchini that hasn’t been blanched tend to discolor a bit when thawed.

Should you peel zucchini before freezing it?

To peel or not to peel, that is the question. Frozen zucchini without the peel tends to be more tender when thawed. If you’re trying to be a sneaky Pete to hide it in recipes like Freezer Spaghetti Sauce, or soups, peeling it first would be best.

Freezing your zukes sliced or as zoodles? Go ahead and leave the skin on.

TOOLS FOR FREEZING Zucchini

Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment or Silpat
Strainer/colander
Reusable freezer bags or wide-mouth mason jars
Large pot/saucepan
Ice
Large bowl
2 clean towels
a straw
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Vegetable peeler (optional)

How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini

Shred the zucchini using a box grater and place it in a colander. If your grater has different sizes, use the largest option (setting). Pro tip: if you’re shredding a ton of zucchini, use the shredding disc in a food processor.

Set the colander in a bowl and let it sit for an hour or up 24 hours (in the fridge). This will allow it to release excess liquid prior to the freezing process.

After it has rested a bit, grab a handful of shredded zucchini, and squeeze to release excess moisture. Repeat until you’ve squeezed all the zucchini in the colander.

Place it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat. Gently blot it with clean kitchen towels to absorb any excess liquid.

Spread the shredded zucchini around, but there will still be some clumps no matter how well you spread it around the sheet. Allow it to freeze for 2-3 hours and then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Thawed shredded zucchini would be perfect for Zucchini Fritters With Feta and Dill.

How to Freeze Zoodles

Spiralize your zucchini (I use this spiralizer) and place it in a colander. Set the colander in a bowl and let it sit for an hour or up 24 hours (in the fridge). This will allow it to release excess liquid prior to the freezing process.

After it has rested a bit, place it on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat. Gently blot it with clean kitchen towels to absorb excess liquid.

Spread the zoodles around to give them space so they don’t clump up. Allow it to freeze for 2-3 hours and then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

How to Freeze Sliced Zucchini

Slice your zucchini into pieces the sizes you think you’ll use them later. Blanch the slices, and dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment or a silpat. Allow it to freeze for 2-3 hours and then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

How to Freeze Whole Zucchini

Freezing whole zucchini is best accomplished with small or medium zucchini. There is no need to blanch whole zucchini prior to freezing.

HOW LONG DOES FROZEN zucchini LAST?

Frozen zucchini will last in a conventional freezer for six months. If you have a deep freeze/stand-alone freezer, you’re safe to keep them in there for up to a year.

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