Tips for Freezing Summer Squash

There are a couple of vegetables we’ve found that are super easy to grow in our backyard garden. Tomatoes are one. Zucchini is another. And summer squash is a third. Which means when end up with more we can possible eat and why we needed to learn about freezing summer squash and all the other vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes.

How to freeze summer squash

Freezing summer squash is a straightforward and efficient method to maintain its flavor and texture so that you can enjoy its taste throughout the year. For instance, if you want to make this recipe for lemon garlic chicken with summer squash, you could do it year-round, not just when you have fresh summer squash on hand. With summer squash, also known as yellow squash, there are a few simple ways to freeze it:

• freezing raw, whole or sliced
• blanching and freezing
• grating first and then freezing

Freezing raw, uncooked summer squash

This first method is the easiest. You can prepare it sliced or leave it whole to put in the freezer. Starting by washing and drying the vegetables. I prefer to store things in the freezer in sliced form because that’s how I’ll most likely use it down the road. So my next step would be slicing it. Finally, I’ll put them into freezer-safe bags or an airtight container. Squeeze out any excess air, as best you can, before sealing tightly and placing in the freezer.

Blanch before freezing

This method requires one extra step. Blanching, which involves steaming something and then putting it in an ice bath, prevents certain enzymes from making food lose its flavor and color. Many of the steps are the same as freezing raw summer squash. You’ll want to start by washing the vegetable well, drying it and then slicing it.

Next, create an ice bath by placing several ice cubes in a large bowl and filling it with cold water. Set aside. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the slices of summer squash in the boiling water for one to three minutes. Use a strainer to remove and then let them cool in the ice bath. Once cooled, dry again, to avoid ice crystals forming, and place the slices in a freezer-safe container. Add to the freezer.

Grating uncooked summer squash and freezing

This method freezes squash quickly. It is best used in recipes that call for grated squash. Start, again, by washing and drying fresh, uncooked squash. Grate it. Place in freezer-safe plastic or reusable silicone bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags, seal tightly and place in the freezer.

How to reheat and serve frozen summer squash

Whole or sliced squash is best for pasta, stir-fries and side dishes where the texture of the squash is important, like this air fryer zucchini and squash. You can serve the squash simply by sautéeing it in olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper. It is also delicious as a part of a medley of roasted vegetables. Grated squash is best in baked goods or casseroles.

To round off the flavor of your dish, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Different condiments can nicely complement the flavor of simply prepared summer squash, such as a creamy yogurt sauce or a bright and spicy hot sauce.

Your blanched veggies are as close to the kind you would find in the frozen section at the grocery store. So feel free to use the squash as you would frozen vegetables you might have purchased at the store.

Try these different methods of preserving summer squash this summer to see what works best for you. Using the simple steps presented in this article, you’ll have this delicious seasonal crop available to you year-round.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.