How to freeze zucchini for the winter correctly

How to prepare zucchini for freezing

For harvesting, choose young fruits in which the seeds have not yet ripened. These zucchini contain less water and will not spread when defrosted.

Wash the vegetables thoroughly under running water and pat dry with a towel. Inspect the zucchini and cut out damaged or rotted areas with a knife. Remove the stem and tail.

Young zucchini can be cut into circles or semi-circles about 0.5 cm thick.

Another option is dicing. Pieces can be made larger or smaller as you wish.

How to freeze fresh zucchini

Arrange the zucchini pieces in a single layer on a cutting board, tray, or bottom of a freezer drawer lined with parchment paper or cling film.

Let the vegetables freeze for at least an hour.

Take out the zucchini and pack the pieces in regular or resealable bags. Slightly press down on the package to release excess air, and tie or close it.

Send the vegetables back to the freezer for storage. In this form, the pieces will not stick to each other and you can always take the right amount from the package.

How to freeze blanched zucchini

Pre-heat treatment will make frozen vegetables are softer and more tender.

Put a pot of water on the fire. As soon as the liquid boils, lower the zucchini into it for 2-3 minutes. While the vegetables are cooking, fill a bowl with cold water and ice.

Drain the zucchini in a colander and let the excess liquid drain.

Place the vegetables in a bowl of water and ice and wait for the pieces to cool.

Drain the zucchini again in a colander and let the excess water drain. Put the pieces in the bag, press down on it to release the air, tie the bag or fasten the zip. Send the filled bags to storage in the freezer.

How to freeze grated zucchini

This preparation is useful for cooking fritters, casseroles and other dishes where chopped vegetables are needed.

Grate the zucchini on a coarse grater.

Squeeze the vegetable mass thoroughly to get rid of excess moisture. Put the chopped zucchini in the bag. Press down lightly to flatten and release excess air. Close the zip or tie up the package.

Send the zucchini to the freezer.