How to Freeze Summer Squash So You Can Enjoy It Longer
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Come summertime, farm stands and vegetable gardens are overflowing with seasonal produce. We're talking corn, tomatoes, and especially summer squash. In fact, many gardeners end up with too much squash by the time summer comes to an end. And while we love putting those veggies to use in recipes like zucchini bread or yellow squash casserole, sometimes the best thing to do is just store the squash for later use. This way, you can enjoy the flavor of summer all year long! Just like freezing corn or freezing strawberries, summer squash can also be stashed in the freezer for another day—here's how!
You can't just toss a whole zucchini in the freezer and hope for the best—to freeze summer squash properly, you’ll need to chop and blanch it first. But don't worry, it's easy to do! Whether you’ve ended up with extra yellow squash, zucchini, or other types of squash, this method for freezing summer squash is sure to come in handy. Then, use your produce to make stuffed zucchini, grilled veggie burritos, or Ree Drummond's vegetable lasagna layered with both yellow squash and zucchini. No matter how you choose to cook it, you'll enjoy summer squash for months to come!
Can you freeze summer squash without blanching?
To make sure your squash doesn't get mushy, the key is to lightly blanch it before you freeze it. If you freeze it raw, the texture will be way off when you thaw and cook it.
What's the best way to freeze summer squash?
It may sound like a no-brainer, but be sure to choose the freshest squash you can find. Look for firmer squash with no wrinkling or blemishes on the skin. Thoroughly wash the squash with lukewarm water and gently scrub any areas that look like they may have dirt on them. You don't want to freeze dirty squash! Then, follow the steps below:
Slice off the ends and cut the squash into 1/2-inch thick rounds or cubes, depending on how you usually use your squash.
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Place the raw cubes or slices of summer squash in boiling water for 1 minute.
Remove the squash from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately place in a bowl of ice water for another minute to stop the cooking.
Drain the squash and remove to a paper towel–lined baking sheet to drain.
The squash will still have some moisture on it even after you drain it, so to avoid it all freezing in one big clump, you'll need to flash freeze it. Line a dry baking sheet with parchment paper and place the squash cubes or slices on it in a single layer. Freeze for one hour, or until solid.
Once the squash has frozen solid, you can slide if off the parchment paper and transfer it to zip-top freezer bags to store for the long haul.
Does summer squash freeze well?
Yes! The squash can last up to 10 months in the freezer! Whether you choose to thaw it or cook from frozen, just note that the texture of frozen summer squash might not be exactly the same as fresh squash. For that, you'll have to wait until the next summer!
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