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.

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.http://www.bonnieplants.com/LearnGrow/GrowingOurVarieties/tabid/128/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/153/How-to-Grow-Squash.aspx Freezing squash is an easy way to enjoy the tastes of the harvest season long into the cold winter months.

• 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.http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/winter_squash.htm Summer squash only requires blanching before freezing.http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/ssquash1.html#1

1. Summer squash varieties include zucchini and yellow squash. It should be picked while young and the skin is still tender.http://whatscookingamerica.net/squash.htm
2. 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.http://whatscookingamerica.net/squash.htm
3. Look for squash that feels heavy for it's size and has deep-colored skin free from blemishes.http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/winter_squash.htm

• Before freezing, you'll need to prepare the squash by cooking or blanching.

• 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

1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Spoon
4. Baking dish

• What to Do

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic4258.htm
2. Wash the squash.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63#howtouse
3. Cut squash in half.<re>http://www.recipezaar.com/-Arriba-Baked-Winter-Squash-Mexican-Style-137739</ref>
4. Remove seeds and fibers with a spoon.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sara-moulton/baked-acorn-squash-with-mustard-and-honey-recipe/index.html
5. Place squash in an baking dish, cut side up.http://vegkitchen.com/recipes/winter-squash.htm
6. Add water to the baking dish till about 1/4-inch depth.http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001426classic_baked_acorn_squash.php
7. Cover with aluminum foil.http://www.recipezaar.com/-Arriba-Baked-Winter-Squash-Mexican-Style-137739
8. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until tender.http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/wsquash1.html#10
9. Remove skins and mash or puree.http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2007/preservewintersquash.html

• 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.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/nutrition/00053.html This traps the nutrients and flavor.http://www.pickyourown.org/freezing_summer_squash.htm

• What You'll Need

1. Sharp Knife.
2. Fresh summer squash.
3. Large pot with a lid and wire basket or vegetable blancher.
4. One gallon of water for every pound] of squash.http://gardenspotlight.blogspot.com/2008/08/blanching-vegetables.html
5. Ice water (60 degrees F or lower) to cool squash after blanching.http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/blanching.html

• What To Do

1. Wash the squash in cool or lukewarm water.http://www.pickyourown.org/freezing_summer_squash.htm
2. Cut each end off] from squash.http://www.pickyourown.org/freezing_summer_squash.htm
3. Slice the squash into 1/2-inch thick slices.http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_Harvest_2007-01.pdf
4. Using a large pot with a wire basket, or a vegetable blancher, bring water to a rolling boil.http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_Harvest_2007-01.pdf
5. Add 4 to 6 cups of squash to boiling water.http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_Harvest_2007-01.pdf
6. Allow water to return to a boil. Water should return to a boil within one minute.http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/nutrition/00053.html
7. Blanch squash for three minutes.http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/blanching.html
8. Immediately transfer blanched squash to ice water. This stops the cooking process.http://gardenspotlight.blogspot.com/2008/08/blanching-vegetables.html
9. Cool in the ice water for three minutes.http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/hesguide/foodnut/gh1503.htm#Cooling
10. Drain completely to avoid extra moisture that can cause the squash to lose it's quality when frozen.http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/blanching.html

• These simple steps will keep your squash fresh in the freezer.

1. Cooled squash

2. Zip-closure freezer bagshttp://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn187w.htm or rigid containers

1. Pack into freezer bags or container.http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/ssquash1.html#11 http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2007/preservewintersquash.html
   • Pack tightly, leaving a space about a 1/2-inch to 1-inch from the top.http://southernfood.about.com/od/wintersquashrecipes/p/blfrsquashwinte.htm http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FN_Harvest_2007-01.pdf
2. Remove air and seal.http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5333.html http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/mod01/01600649.html
3. Label with contents, date and place in the freezer.http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/mod01/01600649.html
4. Squash is best if used within one year.http://extension.usu.edu/htm/faq/faq_q=444

• 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.http://www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2007/preservewintersquash.html