Preserving Garden Produce: Freezing Zucchini

Who doesn't have a few extra zucchini sitting around on their cupboard this time of year?  If you are like me and your garden zucchini crop failed to produce this year, don't despair.  If you put the word out that you are looking, someone will be more than happy to provide!  ;D  My Mom gave me several last weekend and I took a little time to chop and freeze a few packages of zucchini this week. 

My family is not a huge fan of zucchini, but I have found that if I chop it very fine, they will accept it in almost anything.  At least they don't object to what they do not find... ;)  I'm especially fond of adding it to spaghetti sauce and lasagna, but it's mild flavor makes it very versatile.

To freeze finely chopped or shredded zucchini you may blanch it or freeze it directly.  I have always frozen it directly but decided to give blanching it a try this year.

To Blanch and Freeze Finely Chopped Zucchini:

Supplies:
zucchini
knife & cutting board
food processor
cheese cloth
shallow steam pan
measuring cup
freezer containers

Chop
1. Wash to remove any dirt and/or chemical.

2. Cut off ends and put them into the compost.  (It is not necessary to peel it.)

3. Cut into about 1 inch wide slices and quarter each slice.

4. Fill the food processor to about 1/2 full and pulse chop until the zucchini is the desired size.

5. At this point you can choose to blanch the zucchini or to bag & freeze it without blanching.

Blanch

6. Place several layers of cheese cloth in a colander or steam basket so that it hangs over the edges.

7.  Spread 1 or 2 cups of chopped zucchini across the bottom of the steaming container.

8. Steam the zucchini about 2 inches above the surface of the water for 5 minutes.  Be sure to keep the steamer covered.

9. Gather the edges of the cheese cloth and immediately lift it out of the steamer and place it in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.  (Keep the zucchini contained inside the cheese cloth.)

10. Once the zucchini is completely cooled remove it from the water and gently squeeze off some of the water.

11.  Place in a freezer bag.  Be sure to label and date the bag before you put it in the freezer.

Freeze!

Happy Garden Preserving!  :)