Summer squash is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it’s also low in calories. Freezing summer squash is a great way to preserve its freshness and flavor for later use.
One of the most common questions about freezing summer squash is whether or not it needs to be blanched first. Blanching is a process of boiling vegetables for a short period of time to stop the enzymes that cause them to deteriorate. It helps to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of vegetables.
So, can you freeze summer squash without blanching?
The answer is yes, you can freeze summer squash without blanching. However, blanching does have some benefits. Blanched summer squash will have a brighter color and a slightly firmer texture than unblanched summer squash. It will also be less likely to develop freezer burn.
If you choose to blanch your summer squash before freezing, follow these steps:
- Wash the squash and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the squash to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Remove the squash from the boiling water and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the squash and pat it dry.
Once the squash is blanched, it can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers.
If you choose not to blanch your summer squash before freezing, follow these steps:
- Wash the squash and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze the squash for 2-3 hours, or until it is solid.
- Once the squash is frozen, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Frozen summer squash can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave.
Here are some additional tips for freezing summer squash:
- Use fresh, high-quality squash.
- Wash the squash thoroughly before freezing.
- Cut the squash into uniform pieces so that it freezes evenly.
- Freeze the squash in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
By following these tips, you can freeze summer squash that will retain its flavor and texture for months to come.
Benefits of Freezing Summer Squash
There are many benefits to freezing summer squash. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Preserves freshness and flavor: Freezing summer squash helps to preserve its freshness and flavor for later use. Frozen summer squash can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and stir-fries.
- Saves time: Freezing summer squash can save you time in the kitchen. When you have frozen summer squash on hand, you can simply thaw it and use it in your favorite recipes. This can be a great time-saver on busy weeknights.
- Reduces waste: Freezing summer squash is a great way to reduce waste. If you have extra summer squash that you don’t plan to use right away, you can freeze it to prevent it from going to waste.
Conclusion
Freezing summer squash is a great way to preserve its freshness and flavor for later use. Whether you choose to blanch your summer squash before freezing or not, be sure to follow the tips outlined in this article to ensure that your frozen summer squash turns out great.
How To Prepare Squash For Freezing
I usually prep summer squash two ways for the freezer. First, since my husband and teenage son like fried squash better than any other preparation, I prepare a lot of it in advance and have it ready to fry.
It is a true blessing to be able to prepare it for freezing and have it ready to cook for many months to come.
When it comes time to pull it out and cook the squash, this method saves you the trouble of having to set up your breading station beforehand, which is half the trouble of frying squash!
That is so amazing! I can’t even begin to express how much time it has saved me on the evenings that I have taken it out and cooked it—especially since all you have to do is pop it right into the air fryer or frying pan without thawing it first!
- Freshly Picked Squash: This technique works with any summer squash; don’t restrict it to just zucchini or yellow squash. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it must be crushed while still at the height of freshness. When using freezer products, it is essential to use only fresh to extend their shelf life and ensure optimal quality when cooking.
- Ingredients for Breading: I like to bread my zucchini and yellow squash with a combination of corn flour and all-purpose flour. But I’ve also made some using pork rind crumbs and a low-carb approach. All you have to do is select your preferred option, and if you don’t want to follow my recommendations in the recipe card, then add your preferred seasonings, such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: I use a mixture of several eggs and a small amount of water or milk to make my egg wash. I place the eggs in a shallow dish, mix in a small amount of water, and Beat thoroughly and place it close to your preferred breading mixture. Although you are free to omit this step, we find that the breading enhances the squash’s texture and keeps it attached during cooking. It also helps the squash maintain its shape when frozen.
- Baking Trays: A few baking trays should be prepared for use during the breading procedure. This is crucial: after dipping the squash in the egg wash and breading, arrange the breaded summer squash in a single layer on the trays so that they can be frozen separately. Several baking trays may be required, or you may need to prepare your squash in multiple batches, depending on how much you have.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: To avoid any of the breaded squash slices freezing on the baking sheet, I suggest lining your baking trays with silicone baking mats before layering on the squash. If they stick to the tray and freeze, you run the risk of removing the breading when you take them out afterwards. If you don’t have any silicone baking mats, you can also line your trays with parchment paper.
- Freezer Bags in Gallon or Quart Size: Once your squash trays have solidified, take them out of the freezer and divide them into portions using bags. Simply use high-quality freezer bags to prevent freezer burn while storing your squash in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Simply put as many pieces of squash as you believe you will need for yourself or your family in each bag. Before you fill your freezer bags with squash, make sure to write on them with a freezer sharpie so you will know what’s inside and when to freeze them.
Do You Have To Blanch Squash Before Freezing?
Before freezing the freshly sliced summer squash, some people choose to blanch it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
They even go so far as to claim that when you thaw and cook it after freezing it raw and unblanched, the texture will be completely different.
However, despite the fact that I’ve used this method numerous times with both yellow and zucchini squash, I never blanch mine before freezing it, and I’ve never felt as though cooking it left my squash mushy.
But let me say this: I never thaw my squash before cooking it; instead, I always cook it straight from frozen since the water that the thawing squash releases will naturally moisten the squash’s breading.
It cooks crispy when I cook it straight from the freezer, and the texture is soft and supple but not mushy. Therefore, you are welcome to go the extra mile and blanch the squash, but I don’t think it’s necessary at all.
If you would like to blanch it, simply cut your squash into slices and submerge it in boiling water for approximately one minute. Then, to halt the cooking process, take it out of the water and submerge it in ice water.
Once it has cooled, you can proceed with the next steps of breading to prepare it for freezing.
Freezing Summer Squash | No Blanching
FAQ
What happens if you don’t blanch squash before freezing?
Can I freeze raw summer squash?
How do you freeze yellow squash and zucchini without blanching?
Can you cut up fresh squash and freeze it?
Can you freeze squash without blanching?
Oh, darling, freezing squash without blanching is a bit of a tricky subject! You see, blanching helps to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the squash when it’s frozen, so it’s generally recommended. However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to blanch the squash, you can still freeze it without sacrificing too much quality.
how do I prepare yellow squash?
Roasted (or Baked) – Cut in half, slice or cut into pieces. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake at 400-degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Throw some other veggies on there to make a delicious roasted vegetable medley. Sautéed – Slice or cut into smaller pieces and sauté in butter over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Season with salt or seasoning (see ideas below). Grilled – Cut into thick slices or wedges. Brush with vegetable oil and grill for 5 minutes per side or until tender. Season with salt with each turn. Air Fried – Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 375-degrees for 8 minutes, flipping half-way through. Season more after flipping if needed.
Can you freeze squash?
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the squash freeze for a few hours, until it is completely frozen. Once the squash is frozen, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date and type of squash. You can also add any seasonings or herbs at this point, such as garlic or thyme.
How do you Blanch summer squash?
Once your pot of water is roiling, you’re ready to roll. Use a mesh basket or slotted spoon to plunge your summer squash into the boiling water or let them float freely. (Mesh baskets are good blanching buddies because they make it a cinch to strain your food and can save you from a splash of scalding water.)