Use These Zucchini Recipes and Never Let a Squash Go Bad Again (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to store zucchini? ›

Zucchini thrives in a dry environment, so pop it into the crisper drawer whole, preferably in a plastic or paper bag with one end open for ventilation. The minimal humidity will keep it from going bad. Stored properly, it'll last one or two weeks, though you'll probably see the skin shrivel as the days pass.

Whether you have a plan for how you'll serve it or not, sometimes you've just got to cook that vegetable before it goes bad! Roasted zucchini with parmesan—which takes all of ten minutes, start to finish—is going to save you from just giving up and composting (or tossing) all that squash-y goodness.

If your zucchini smells rotten or "off", it's safe to say it should be tossed. Bitter taste - When fresh, zucchini has a very neutral flavor. If your raw zucchini tastes bitter (test by licking an otherwise fresh-looking slice of zucchini), it has likely gone bad.

We recommend preserving summer squash or zucchini by pickling or freezing. Summer squash is good for you. It is low in calories and many varieties provide vitamin C, potassium and, if the skin is eaten, beta carotene. Preserve summer squash by freezing, pickle them for canning or dry them.

We're sometimes asked, "Can you freeze zucchini whole?" You certainly can, but it will be much more challenging to thaw and use later. (Imagine trying to shred a soggy, whole, thawed squash.) So, instead, we recommend tackling the shape in advance so you can quickly use the frozen zucchini when you're ready.

Store in the fridge, properly wrapped

Store them in a plastic or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation, and pop them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They'll keep there for 1 to 2 weeks, though you'll probably see the skin start to shrivel over time.

Zucchini is packed with many important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has a high fiber content and a low calorie count. Fiber plays an important role in digestion and may limit the likelihood of suffering from a variety of GI issues.

Zucchini is a versatile squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It may offer several health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini may aid your bones, thyroid, and prostate.

Yellow and green zucchini both exhibit high nutrient values and medicinal properties. The bio-components present in zucchini can exhibit anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal activities.

Yes, you can freeze zucchini without blanching it first. However, if you blanch it first, it will help deactivate the enzymes that can make it more mushy and discolored. The thawed zucchini may be less than ideal.

Can dogs eat zucchini? ›

Yes, dogs can eat zucchini and it's perfectly safe for dogs and puppies. In fact, it may be one of the best vegetables to feed dogs. Zucchini can be given to dogs raw or cooked, and they can eat the fruit or flowers. However, it's important not to give your dog too much zucchini at once.

Slices or cubes of cooked summer squash will get quite soft and pack tightly into the jars. The amount of squash filled into a jar will affect the heating pattern in that jar. Michigan State University Extension recommends that to preserve zucchini (and all summer squash) you should freeze it.

You should store summer squash (like zucchini) in the fridge, but thick-skinned squash like acorn, butternut, or kabocha should stay at room temperature. This is partially to preserve their texture, but it's mostly because squash tend to take up a lot of real estate in the drawers and on the shelves of your fridge.

Zucchini bread will keep for about one week stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container (or plastic bag). As stated above, the absolute safest way to store zucchini bread is in the refrigerator. Some zucchini bread recipes make a very moist (and sometimes wet) zucchini bread.

Store fresh squash in the refrigerator crisper in plastic storage bags or rigid containers to retain moisture. Stored in this manner, squash will maintain quality for 5-7 days. Avoid storing fresh squash in areas that might freeze.

Jars will loose quality and nutrients over time, but will remain safe to eat providing the vacuum seal is intact. Dried Zucchini: Pack cooled, dried foods in small amounts in glass jars or in moisture and vapor-proof freezer containers, boxes or bags. Store in a cool, dry, dark place.