How to Store Zucchini So It Lasts (2024)

Zucchini may be available year-round at the supermarket, but fans of this summer vegetable know summer is when it's at its peak. Fans also know that zucchini is not just versatile but also easy to cook and enjoy. You can sauté zucchini, steam zucchini, roast zucchini, grill zucchini or even eat zucchini raw. Zucchini can also be layered into lasagna, simmered in soup or even shaved into ribbons or cut into noodles (aka zoodles).

Related: How to Cook Zucchini

As with all produce, to get the most out of this summer squash, it needs to be stored properly, whether that's for a day or two, a week or more long-term. Thankfully, keeping zucchini in tip-top shape is easy, and we have everything you need to know. Read on for the do's and don'ts of storing zucchini.

How to Store Zucchini

Do Shop Smart for Zucchini

Being able to keep zucchini fresh begins at the market. Look for zucchini that is firm, with smooth, shiny vibrant green skin—wrinkles, not surprisingly, are a sign of age. If possible, opt for small to medium zucchini, no more than 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Larger zucchini tends to be pulpier and may spoil more quickly. Also look for zucchini with some of its stem attached, which is a good indication that it will last longer.

Don't Wash Zucchini (Until Ready to Use It)

One of the keys to keeping zucchini fresh is to keep it as dry as possible, which means it's best to wash it just before using. To go a step further, you can pat zucchini down with a paper towel to absorb every bit of moisture before storing.

Do Store Fresh Zucchini in the Fridge

If properly stored, zucchini will last up to a week. The best way to store zucchini is in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer where humidity is kept to a minimum. Depending on the freshness of the zucchini, it may start to soften or wrinkle before that, so if you notice wilting, use that squash right away—perhaps smashed and topped with Parmesan or baked into zucchini fries.

Do Let Zucchini Breathe

Good ventilation is essential for keeping zucchini fresh. You can store zucchini in either a plastic or paper bag but make sure one end is open so air can circulate. Or, if you use a sealed plastic bag, poke a few holes to let air in and out.

Don't Be Afraid to Freeze Zucchini

If you have more zucchini that you can use, freezing is the best long-term storage option and it's easy. Here's how to freeze zucchini: Wash zucchini and cut it into small pieces—1/2-inch-thick rounds work well—then blanch in boiling water until brightly colored and just slightly tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the zucchini, then plunge it into an ice bath to cool and drain again. Pat the zucchini dry, then pack it into freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. For ease, freeze zucchini in quantities you'll use and be sure to label and date the freezer bag.

Another option is to freeze grated or shredded raw zucchini, which is perfect for baked goods like zucchini bread or zucchini brownies.

Don't Freeze Zucchini Noodles

While some spiralized vegetables can be frozen, zucchini noodles tend to turn mushy, so it's better to use them right away.

Do Defrost and Drain Zucchini

The easiest way to defrost frozen zucchini is in the refrigerator and it will only take a few hours, but if you are in a hurry, place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water to speed up the thawing process. You may find extra water in the bag, which can simply be drained off. If you freeze grated or shredded raw zucchini, squeezing out or patting dry the zucchini is particularly important, as it tends to have a lot of moisture.

Don't Let Any Zucchini Go to Waste

Fresh zucchini that's stored in the refrigerator can be used in almost endless ways, including in stuffed zucchini, baked into a zucchini gratin or tossed with pasta. Frozen zucchini won't be quite as crisp as fresh, so it's better for sauces, soups and casseroles.

More Food Storage Guides

How to Store Avocados

How to Store Potatoes

How to Store Cucumbers

How to Store Zucchini So It Lasts (2024)

FAQs

How to store zucchini so it lasts longer? ›

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.

What is the best way to preserve zucchini? ›

While freezing zucchini is a great way to extend its life, it's not as simple as just popping a few squash into your freezer. Raw zucchini gets weepy and watery after thawing. To effectively save it, you should chop and blanch it first. This helps set the texture and color and makes it last longer.

How to keep cut zucchini from turning brown? ›

If you've already cut raw zucchini, follow these steps to keep it fresh, as provided by Nguyen:
  1. Line a plastic container with a dry paper towel. This will help absorb excess moisture.
  2. Place the cut zucchini in the container. Secure the lid.
  3. Store the container in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
May 4, 2024

How long does zucchini last on the counter? ›

How Long Can Zucchini Be Stored Before It Goes Bad? Fresh zucchini can be stored on the counter at room temperature for two to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you aren't going to get around to eating the zucchini in a week, you may also slice, blanch, and freeze zucchini for up to three months.

How do you prolong the life of zucchini? ›

To store zucchini in the fridge, keep the squash whole, dry and unwashed. 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.

How do you keep zucchini from rotting? ›

Treat your plant with a foliar calcium spray, like Fertilome Yield Buster. This can help prevent your next round of squash from developing blossom end rot (as long as you are watering consistently too) Don't over fertilize.

Is it better to freeze zucchini without blanching? ›

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 I freeze zucchini whole? ›

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.

Can you freeze zucchini without it getting mushy? ›

Yes, you could chop up your zucchini and freeze it just as it is, but I think it's worth your effort to blanch it first. Blanching — giving the zucchini a quick dunk in boiling water — deactivates the enzymes that would otherwise cause the zucchini to become mushy and discolored.

Do coffee grounds help zucchini plants? ›

Yes, and yes! Coffee beans are rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. Phosphorus and potassium improve yields, and nitrogen is involved in photosynthesis, which helps plants grow faster. Ground coffee is excellent for both house and garden plants.

How to store zucchini in mason jars? ›

Procedure: Peel zucchini and either cut into 1/2-inch cubes or shred. Mix zucchini with other ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 20 minutes. Fill jars with hot mixture and cooking liquid, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

Can you cut off rotten part of zucchini? ›

6) Zucchini/Squash

Peel or cut away any damaged flesh and serve as usual. Slightly overripe squash are best served cooked, in a sauce or a stew for example. Zucchini and most types of squash can fairly easily be peeled. Try to keep zucchini dry while it is being stored.

Should zucchini be stored at room temperature? ›

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.

How long will zucchini last in a cold room? ›

In cool dark conditions zucchini can store for about two months. In the refrigerator, about another month. Turn them into zucchini bread and they won't last a day.

Can you store zucchini in mason jars? ›

Shred the zucchini in the food processor. Once all zucchini has been shredded scrape out and divide into jars. Pack the jars well up to the fill lines. Place in your freezer with a label of date and contents so you easily know which jars to use first.

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