How to Freeze Zucchini (7 Easy Steps)

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Whole zucchini for sale at a market

Can You Freeze Zucchini?

Quick Answer: If you have a lot of zucchini, you can definitely freeze it to enjoy later on.It may be tempting to just chop it up and throw it in the freezer, but if you follow the steps listed below, you’ll have tastier, non-mushy results.

Love zucchini?Check out cooking recommendations, serving tips and recipes here:What Do Zucchini Noodles Taste Like?

Step 1 – Slice the Zucchini

Close-up of a zucchini being sliced on a white cutting board

First things first: Prepare your zucchini by cutting it up.You can slice it into rounds or chop it into small pieces.

You don’t want to cut the pieces too small or too large.Whatever size pieces you’d make for a typical recipe, that’s the size you want for prepping it for the freezer.

Step 2 – Get Your Blanching and Ice Bath Stations Ready

The next step is to get everything ready for blanching and then icing the zucchini.Blanching is an important step in the process as it will ensure that the zucchini retains its crispness and full flavor.

Fill a pot with water and set it on the stove, then turn up the heat to bring it to a boil.Meanwhile, grab a large bowl and fill it with cold water and a generous amount of ice.

A pot of water boiling on the stove

Now it’s time to blanch.When the hot water on the stove is boiling, carefully lower the zucchini pieces into the water with the the appropriate utensil (a slotted spoon or whatever you use for pasta would work).

You only need to leave the zucchini in the water for a minute or two, just long enough to see it turn a brighter green color.

Read Next: Best Veggie Noodle Maker

Step 4 – Put the Blanched Zucchini in the Ice Bath

 

Reynolds Kitchens parchment paper unrolled on a counter

freezer safe container

Now you can freeze the zucchini in the freezer-safe container that you prefer.

If you’re using freezer storage containers, fill them up all the way to the top with the zucchini, leaving no room for air pockets.

Got a grocery shopping trip coming up?Vegan Grocery List for Beginners

Bonus Tips

If you find yourself spending a lot of time slicing and chopping zucchini, there are some tricks to simplifying the process and making it go a lot faster, as you’ll see in the video below.

For those who prefer making zoodles (a.k.a zucchini noodles), we’ve got tips on freezing, cooking and the best spiralizers here: 10 Best Veggie Noodle Maker Options That Will Change the Way You Eat