Zucchini is a delicious summer vegetable that can be used in a huge variety of recipes. To store and store for later, you can either refrigerate it or freeze it. To keep it refrigerated and fresh, place it in a bag in the vegetable drawer and use it within a week. If you are going to freeze the zucchini to cook it after a while, cut it up and blanch it first to make it firmer. Then freeze the pieces, place them in a bag and keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Refrigerating
Step 1. Keep the zucchini whole, dry and unwashed
Chopped zucchini can spoil more quickly, so leave them whole in the fridge. Do not wash the vegetable before storage as excess water will quickly spoil it too.
Step 2. Dry with a paper towel to remove moisture
If the zucchini has some condensation or moisture on the skin, gently tap it with a paper towel to dry it before storage. Any excess moisture will cause mold and decomposition.
Step 3. Place the vegetable in a plastic or paper bag with some ventilation
Keeping zucchini in a bag will help slow down the decomposition process. Leave a little ventilation for the air to circulate better using a perforated bag or closing it and making some holes.
You can also leave one end of the bag open
Step 4. Place the bag in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer
Zucchini spoils when they come into contact with too much moisture, so place them in the vegetable drawer protected instead of in the main part of the fridge. This drawer maintains the ideal humidity level to keep vegetables fresh for longer.
Step 5. Use zucchini in five to seven days
The longer you wait, the more the vegetable will secrete moisture and the skin will begin to wither.
Step 6. Check for signs of decomposition before using it
If the skin is soft and there are black spots, the zucchini is still edible. Cut the black parts and use the vegetable quickly. However, if it's withered and secretes a thick white liquid, it's already spoiled. Discard and wipe off excess liquid.
Method 2 of 2: Blanching and Freezing
Step 1. Chop the zucchini into small pieces
Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetable into slices or square pieces to speed up the scalding and freezing process.
This will also make it easier to cook the zucchini after it's frozen
Step 2. Blanch the vegetable to keep it firm
The process deactivates the enzymes that cause the zucchini to wilt and discolor. To scald it, boil a pan of unsalted water and place the pieces in the water for a minute. After that, immediately drain them in a colander.
Usually, salt is used in water to blanche vegetables. However, do not add salt when scalding the zucchini before freezing it, as the vegetable will absorb it into the skin and will wilt
Step 3. Transfer the pieces to a bowl of water and ice immediately
Fill a bowl with ice water and ice, then place the zucchini pieces in it. The rapid change in temperature will shock the vegetable and keep it steady. Keep it in the ice bath until completely cool.
Step 4. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet covered with a cooling grid
Transfer the vegetable pieces in a single layer over the cooling rack to help drain better. Dry them and place them in the freezer overnight or until frozen. That way the zucchini will freeze separately instead of forming a large mass.
You can also use a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper to drain the zucchini
Step 5. Transfer frozen pieces to bags or containers
After freezing overnight, remove the pieces from the baking sheet and prepare them for long-term storage. Fill bags and containers with one or two cups (150 to 300 g) of frozen zucchini pieces. Remove excess air from the bags and close them completely.
Label and date the bags and containers to make storage more convenient
Step 6. Freeze for up to three months
Although the vegetable is still technically edible after that time, the flavor and texture will be affected by the freezer burn.
Step 7. Use the frozen pieces in soups and in sauteed dishes
To cook, add the zucchini and cook until soft. Freezing causes the vegetable to lose its texture, so it won't look very good on grilled dishes. However, it's still great in baked dishes or in broths, such as zucchini bread or vegetable soup.
Step 8. Thaw before placing on bread or fried dishes
To defrost, place the pieces in a colander and leave in the sink.
If you're in a hurry, place the bag with the frozen pieces in a large bowl of warm water for ten minutes or until the zucchini is soft
Tips
- Just wash the fresh zucchini immediately before using it.
- This vegetable tastes best when cooked fresh, as it has more moisture.