Squash Freezing Question

[lilac321]

I have asked around and have been told 3 different ways to freeze our yellow and zucchini squash.. my question is which is the preferred/best method?

1. Wash, slice/grate and freeze
2. Blanch 3 minutes/ice for a couple more minutes then freeze
3. Wash, microwave 2 minutes then freeze

We haven't frozen our squash before ...bumper crop this year! I want to make sure we do it the best way possible.

Thank you!

 

[wifezilla]

For zucchini, I always use the first method.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use method 1 when freezing grated zucchini for zucchini bread and method 2 for squash and zucchini that I plan to eat as a vegetable. I have never tried method 3 so I cannot compare the quality.

 

[keljonma]

According to the National Center For Home Food Preservation, this is the best way to freeze summer squashes...

Summer Squash
(Cocozelle, Crookneck, Pattypan, Straightneck, White Scallop, Zucchini)

Preparation Choose young squash with tender skin. Wash and cut in 1/2-inch slices. Water blanch 3 minutes. Cool promptly, drain and package, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and freeze.

Grated Zucchini (for Baking) Choose young tender zucchini. Wash and grate. Steam blanch in small quantities 1 to 2 minutes until translucent. Pack in measured amounts into containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Cool by placing the containers in cold water. Seal and freeze.

If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.


This document was extracted from "So Easy to Preserve", 5th ed. 2006. Bulletin 989, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Athens. Revised by Elizabeth L. Andress. Ph.D. and Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialists.

 

[lilac321]

Thank you all!

 

[HiDelight]

If I want to save it for breads or baking I do the first ..for anything else I just put the dish I like to make together and freeze it

I just wish I could grow it myself I have to trust my friends to donate to my cause

so when I get a lot I freeze it in things like curries ...parmesans soups whatever ...instead of by itself

 

[Ridgerunner]

If watery when thawed, discard the liquid before using the zucchini.

If you are using the frozen grated zucchini to make zucchini bread, do not discard the liquid. Use it or it will not be moist zucchini bread. I found out the hard way.

Editted to add:

I realized after I posted that I was comparing apples and oranges. I do not blanch the grated zucchini I freeze then later use for zucchini bread. I can not make a comment on the liquid from the blanched method. If you do not blanch the zucchini, I can safely say to use the liquid for the zucchini bread.

 

[2dream]

I have never blanched my squash. I just slice and freeze. I do not freeze zucs except dehydrated to use in soups and stews.

 

[The Chicken People]

Can I just slice and freeze it in zi[plock bags? or should I seal it with a sealing machine?

 

[Hencackle]

2dream----When the frozen slices are thawed, are they watery...or rubbery when cooked? My MIL & I have followed Ball's instructions to the letter and we don't like the results. She used regular Zip-Loc bags, I used the vacuum-seal type where I freeze the contents partially before sealing. I gave up on freezing squash a long time ago because it was so horrible.

I haven't dehydrated any squash in my dehydrator yet. What suggestions do you have that really work? For soup, do you rehydrate before adding to the soup, or allow the liquid in the pot to rehydrate the squash.
Thanks!