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Wondering what to do with all that fresh squash? Before you give it all away or put it in the compost pile, try freezing it. You'll enjoy using it in many delicious recipes long past the harvest season. Learn everything you need to know about how to freeze squash by following this simple and easy guide.
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Freezing Squash Tips
- Choose fresh squash that is heavy for its size and free of blemishes.
- Cook winter squash or blanch summer squash before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe plastic bags or rigid containers.
- Leave a 1/2-inch to 1-inch headspace.
- Seal and label containers.
- Best if used within one year.
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Using and Preserving Overgrown Zucchini
While this video focuses on zucchini, the techniques discussed are appropriate for any summer squash as well. If the squash is overgrown with firm seeds, discard the seeds as part of preparing the squash. She grates the squash in a food processor, and then allows it to drain in a colander. After its drained, she measures 2 cups into freezer bag, and seals it and presses it flat. The freezer bags then get frozen flat on a cookie sheet and stacked in the freezer. The frozen grated squash can then be used for zucchini bread, muffins, or added to cornbread.
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Introduction
- Whether you grow your own squash or just enjoy shopping at your local farmer's market, you may end up with more squash than you can handle.Bonnie Plants: How to Grow Squash Freezing squash is an easy way to enjoy the tastes of the harvest season long into the cold winter months.
Step 1: Choose the Squash
- The first step in properly freezing squash is to choose which type of squash you'll freeze. Winter squash freezes well, but should be cooked before freezing.The Reluctant Gourmet: Winter Squash Summer squash only requires blanching before freezing.University of Illinois Extension: Summer Squash
- Summer squash varieties include zucchini and yellow squash. It should be picked while young and the skin is still tender.WhatsCookingAmerica: Summer & Winter Squash
- Winter squash varieties include butternut squash, acorn squash and pumpkins. Winter squash is best for freezing when it is fully matured and the skin has become hard.WhatsCookingAmerica: Summer & Winter Squash
- Look for squash that feels heavy for it's size and has deep-colored skin free from blemishes.The Reluctant Gourmet: Winter Squash
Step 2: Prepare the Squash
- Before freezing, you'll need to prepare the squash by cooking or blanching.
Cooking Winter Squash
- Winter squash should be cooked before freezing. The simplest method is to bake the squash. For alternate methods, you can refer to Mahalo's guide for How to Cook Winter Squash.
- What You'll Need
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Baking dish
- What to Do
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service: How To Prepare Winter Squash
- Wash the squash.World's Healthiest Foods: Tips for Preparing Winter Squash
- Cut squash in half.RecipeZaar: Arriba! Baked Winter Squash Mexican-Style
- Remove seeds and fibers with a spoon.Food Network: Baked Acorn Squash with Mustard and Honey
- Place squash in an baking dish, cut side up.Vegetarian Kitchen: Winter Squash
- Add water to the baking dish till about 1/4-inch depth.Simply Recipes: Classic Baked Acorn Squash Recipe
- Cover with aluminum foil.RecipeZaar: Arriba! Baked Winter Squash Mexican-Style
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tender.University of Illinois Extension: Preparation & Serving
- Remove skins and mash or puree.University of Minnesota Extension: Preserve Winter Squash, Pumpkin for Future Use
Blanching Summer Squash
- Summer squash only needs to be blanched because it is more tender than winter squash. Blanching is the process of scalding vegetables for a brief period of time and then quickly cooling.University of Minnesota Extension: University of Minnesota Blanching Vegetables - Why and How This traps the nutrients and flavor.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Summer Squash
- What You'll Need
- Sharp Knife.
- Fresh summer squash.
- Large pot with a lid and wire basket or vegetable blancher.
- One gallon of water for every pound of squash.Garden Spotlight Greenhouses: Blanching Vegetables
- Ice water (60 degrees F or lower) to cool squash after blanching.National Center for Home Food Preservation: Blanching
- What To Do
- Wash the squash in cool or lukewarm water.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Summer Squash
- Cut each end off from squash.PickYourOwn.org: How to Freeze Summer Squash
- Slice the squash into 1/2-inch thick slices.Utah State University Extension: Summer Squash
- Using a large pot with a wire basket, or a vegetable blancher, bring water to a rolling boil.Utah State University Extension: Summer Squash
- Add 4 to 6 cups of squash to boiling water.Utah State University Extension: Summer Squash
- Allow water to return to a boil. Water should return to a boil within one minute.University of Minnesota Extension: University of Minnesota Blanching Vegetables - Why and How
- Blanch squash for three minutes.National Center for Home Food Preservation: Blanching
- Immediately transfer blanched squash to ice water. This stops the cooking process.Garden Spotlight Greenhouses: Blanching Vegetables
- Cool in the ice water for three minutes.University of Missouri Extension: Cooling
- Drain completely to avoid extra moisture that can cause the squash to lose it's quality when frozen.National Center for Home Food Preservation: Blanching
Step 3: Freeze and Store
- These simple steps will keep your squash fresh in the freezer.
What to Do
- Pack into freezer bag or container.University of Illinois Extension: Home Preservation University of Minnesota Extension: Preserve Winter Squash, Pumpkin for Future Use
- Remove air and seal.Ohio State University Extension: Freezing Vegetables Michigan State University Extension: Freezing Summer and Winter Squash
- Label with contents, date and place in the freezer.Michigan State University Extension: Freezing Summer and Winter Squash
- Best if used within one year.Utah State University Extension: Extension Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
- Now that your freezer is full of squash, you'll have plenty on hand for all kinds of yummy recipes when the winter months are here. Always remember to thaw squash in the refrigerator before using.University of Minnesota Extension: Preserve Winter Squash, Pumpkin for Future Use
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