skip to main content

Zucchini

Peter (6b SE NY)

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I know "what to do with all the zucchini" is a common question, but specifically I want to try and preserve some. I literally picked 10 in one day this weekend and have it coming out the ears. Next year I need to learn my lesson and not plant 5 zucchini plants.

Anyway, last year the frozen zucchini came out watery mush... not very good. Blanched unblanched it didnt really make a difference.

Does anyone have any tips on how to preserve zucchini for use in the winter, added to stir fries, casseroles, curry, stew, rice, etc? Specific blanching routine, maybe dehydrate a little or bake it first?

I know I could grate it for easy zucchini flavor.

I dehydrated a lot of it and most of it didn't get used... kind of a shame. I could always feed it to the dogs.

Comments (9)

food_lover
7 years ago
Last year a blanched and dehydrated a bunch. They came out great and worked really well in soups and stews with great texture.

When I first got my pressure canned, I used the instructions in the manual to pressure can chunks of baseball bat zucchini with the spongy parts removed in water. However, I have not been able to find an approved recipe for this since I learned that I should not use the manual.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
7 years ago
Ratatouille freezes well.
Related Discussions
Zucchini not getting any bigger
Q
Comments (16)
I have 3 zucchinis that I planted too close together, about 4 feet for all 3. They had been super-fertilized, and the plants grew fast, but the fruits were not found by the bees at first. After a while, I self-pollinated a few, and that helped, then the bees found a few and did the job, now the zukes get pollinated, but grow very slowly. They do get pollinated, but the leaves on these 3 plants are MASSIVE. I will probably pull the middle plant, to help the bees get in to the ones that are bearing the best. And I haven't fertilized them anymore, as all I'm doing is making the huge leaves get bigger and put out more leaves, not growing zucchini. Plants actually do produce quite well without tons of fertilizer, as a little scarcity tells them it's time to complete their cycle, produce their fruit and seeds, and eventually die and turn to compost. You said you got your plants at Home Depot, and they were really big, so it sounds like they might have an excess of fertilizer. Too much nitrogen (the first number in a 3 number mix) in particular will cause a lot of leaf growth. Phosphorus and Potassium help with root growth and overall plant health, respectively. And all due respect to lgteacher, the female flower has a tiny zucchini at its base, and the male flower attaches directly to the zucchini plant, no little zucchini. Lg is right that males tend to come first, but he had it backwards. You want the little zucchini attached to a flower to stay on, as they turn into big zucchini!
...See More
Dry - Dense Zucchini Bread
Q
Comments (22)
I lost my DH's prizewinning zucchini recipe, in one of my many recipe files so came here. I tried Khandi's recipe with the pineapple, raisins and nuts and it came out moist and delicious. I cut the sugar down by at least a quarter cup, added extra raisins and walnuts (which I'm trying to use up). My bread also stuck to the bottom of the pan even though I oiled it well, didn't flour it. I don't recall that happening with the lost recipe so thought I would add my experience for anyone who hasn't tried the recipe yet. Next time, I'll use flour, parchment, waxed paper or something to make removing easier. My zucchini are few (but organic) but one did grow pretty large and it was the perfect size to make this bread. I used crushed pineapple, very well drained. Next time I'll chop the wedges down but I was in a hurry. Thank you everyone for posting these recipes which I've printed out.
...See More
How long will frozen zucchini boats (stuffed zucchini) keep
Q
Comments (4)
There are a lot of variables in freezing. If they're cold and dry and you can pack them air tight (preferably vacuum sealed), and if you have a good, stand alone (or dual compressor/evaporator) freezer that doesn't run self-defrost (either evaporator or manual), they might freeze very well. The biggest enemy of vegetables in freezing is water migration, so chill in the coolest part of the fridge overnight to make them freeze fastest. Thaw in the fridge as well. They might lose some crispness or tooth, but should be okay. In that case, they should keep well for several months at least. Thrown into a box and put into a freezer that shares equipment with a fridge, they might only last a week, or might not freeze well at all. There are all kinds of variables in between. If you don't have a vacuum sealer, try a zip bag, pushing/sucking out all the air. If they're delicate, cover a piece of cardboard with parchment or waxed paper to hold them in the bag, or use a little tray. Good luck! They sound good. :)
...See More
Preserving zucchini noodles / spiralized zucchini?
Q
Comments (3)
Spiralize them. Try and get them as flat as you can in the freezer bag. Do not blanch / cook ahead of time. Freeze raw. When you're ready to use them, cook them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes from freezing (don't thaw ahead of time). Easy! Enjoy your Zucchini!
...See More
digdirt2
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
We have a great past thread here called something like 101 uses for zucchini. I'll see if I can find it.

But zucchini bread freezes well, dried zuke chips with various seasonings are good, to use it for stir fires and such I do the same way I make hashbrowns - shred, spraed out on cookie sheet to freeze, then bag in measured portions, roasted zucchini with other vegetables (especially tomatoes) is great.

Dave

here it is: http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/1973302/101-things-to-make-with-zucchini-or-summer-squash?n=80
Peter (6b SE NY)
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think I might try roasting and then freezing. Thanks, I will check out the thread. Frozen ratatouille sounds like a good idea too.
LoneJack Zn 6a, KC
7 years ago
When you make those onion rings you can also fry some Zucchini slices and freeze those as well. I don't think I would use the same batter recipe as the rings though. Google brought up several recipes that mostly look similar.
defrost49
7 years ago
our daughter-in-law makes a wonderful zucchini relish. I like the Zuni café recipe for zucchini pickles. It's a refrigerator pickle, small batch recipe.
Donna R
7 years ago
I grated a bunch of raw zucchini last year raw, didn't blanch),and put it in zip locks, it was great for zucchini bread later..it didn't get mushy. One of my favorite zuke combos is onion and tomatoes and zucchini...there is something about that flavor combo..I could eat it every day!
annie1992
7 years ago
Donna, that's how I freeze zucchini too, then I use it for zucchini pancakes, a hash brown type breakfast or quiche crust, and zucchini bread/cake/muffins.

Annie
Donna R
7 years ago
I think, slowly but surely..blanching is becoming a thing of the past. With more reliable freezers, and airtight baggies, I am finding that I just don't need it, and my vegetables are much better for it.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners

By Marianne Lipanovich

Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss

GARDENING GUIDES Edible Plants That Double as Ornamentals

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Try growing these tasty plants with your ornamentals for an attractive garden and fresher meals

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Favorites for Your Summer Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Get your summer garden off to a good start with these popular fruits and vegetables

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Harvesting Summer’s Bounty

It's last call for saving this season’s best fruit and vegetables. Are you ready?

0

GARDENING GUIDES Step Right Outside for Fresh Herbs and Vegetables

By Abundant City

Decks and patios can be convenient spots for edibles, and sometimes they even offer advantages over backyard gardens

GARDENING GUIDES 12 Edibles Perfect to Plant in Late Summer

By Marianne Lipanovich

Keep those homegrown vegetables and greens coming well into fall

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Colorful Midcentury Modern by the Ocean

By Lisa Hallett Taylor

Retro furniture, spirited colors and a backyard teahouse create a personal coastal retreat for a family of three

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Edible Flowers Offer a Sweet Taste from the Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Flowers that beautify the landscape can also pretty up the plate or sweeten a spread

Sponsored

More Discussions

Canning recipes, measuring, small batch

6

Canning Boston Baked Beans

2

Help with macaroni and cheese.

78

A bit off-topic....about ceramic plates and spots.

7

What have you put up? 2024 version

16