Can You Freeze Summer Squash Without Blanching?
You know when it is the summer squash season, and you also know that they are seasonal vegetables. Just like you love making recipes out of summer squash, you also are aware that they cannot be stored for long in the freezer.
Whether it is cooked squash or uncooked, summer squash has a short shelf life in the refrigerator. Keeping that in mind, I know that you have been always freezing the summer squash to store it for longer, right?
But have you ever thought of freezing summer squash without blanching it? Yes, I know that it could save you a lot of time, but freezing the squash without blanching should be avoided. While you can technically freeze it without blanching, you will not be happy with the results.
Why You Cannot Freeze Summer Squash Without Blanching?
Freezing is the best way to preserve your summer squashes for a long time. However, if you freeze your squash without blanching, it is likely that it will turn mushy upon defrosting. It may also alter texture when you cook it after thawing.
Therefore, it is essential that you blanch or at least partially blanch your summer squash before freezing it. This will not only give you the best results but also protect the squash from altering texture and color, and thus flavor.
Freezing blanched squash will also retain freshness to some extent. So now you know that while the mushy summer squash will still be safe for consumption, it is better to not avoid blanching. You would definitely not want a mushy vegetable for cooking, right?
How Long Can You Freeze Summer Squash?
While fresh summer squashes can be kept in the refrigerator for about 10-12 days, freezing effectively increases their shelf-life to 10-12 months. This will not only maintain its flavor and texture, but also they will also be safe for consumption even after such a long time.
Furthermore, it is advised that you freeze freshly harvested summer squashes that are slightly unripe. Do not go for something that is blemished or overripe. This is because they might not freeze well in the long run.
What Is The Correct Way To Freeze Summer Squash?
As already mentioned, pick freshly harvested summer squashes if you want to freeze them. It is always better to freeze the vegetable the day you bought it. If possible avoid keeping the squashes in the refrigerator before freezing.
That said, here is the best way to freeze your summer squash:
- Before freezing, the squash should be washed thoroughly in lukewarm water. This will remove all the dirt if any.
- Next, cut your squash into slices or cubes. This will depend on how you intend to use the vegetable after thawing.
- Boil water in a saucepan, put the cut pieces into it, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This will blanch the squash perfectly.
- Immediately transfer the blanched squash into an ice bath to stop further cooking. The ice water will also cool them.
- Drain the excess water using a sieve. If you still think it contains moisture, you can use a paper towel to soak it.
- Next, spread the squash cuts into a baking sheet, and let them flash-freeze for a few hours. Ensure that the pieces do not touch each other to avoid lumps.
- Lastly, transfer the squash pieces into freezer-safe bags or containers, seal them, and stack them in the freezer. They are all set to be frozen.
Does Summer Squash Freeze Well?
Yes, summer squash freezes well as long as you blanch it before freezing. They are quite freezer-friendly and stored for a long time. Also, for better freezing results, freeze your squash slices in smaller batches, if you have a large quantity.
However, you need to know that freezing will not retain the exact flavor and texture of freshly harvested summer squash. But it still freezes well. If you still want fresh squashes, you will have to wait for the next squash season!
Can You Refreeze Summer Squash?
It is almost like a rule of thumb that refreezing any kind of defrosted vegetables is not a good idea. This is because most vegetables do not refreeze well, and generally lose texture and flavor. However, some people do refreeze veggies after they are thawed.
Talking about summer squash, it should not be refrozen. This is because the vegetable will turn mushy and alter its texture. Also, if the summer squash is improperly handled, it will get contaminated. Therefore, it is best to avoid refreezing summer squash.
Summing it up, that was all about the storage properties of summer squash in the freezer. Now you have a clear picture of why you should not freeze it without blanching. Tell us if it was helpful and if you would also like some summer squash recipes!
