Squash, a versatile and highly nutritious vegetable, provides many health benefits. This humble veggie is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that promote good digestion and overall wellness. However, with fluctuations in produce prices and seasonal availability, it can be difficult to have fresh squash on hand at all times. One solution to this problem is to freeze the squash when it is in season and in abundance. Here are three simple ways to freeze fresh squash for future use:

1. Blanch and Freeze

Blanching is one of the most popular techniques used as it helps preserve flavor, color, and nutrient content. Here’s a step-by-step guide for blanching and freezing your squash:

  a.Wash: Rinse the squash thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt.

  b. Peel and slice: Depending on your preference, either peel or leave the skin intact. Then, cut the squash into cubes or slices.

  c. Boil: Bring a large pot of water to boil and drop your prepared squash pieces into the boiling water.

  d. Blanch: Allow the squash to cook for 2-4 minutes until slightly tender.

  e. Ice bath: Immerse cooked squash pieces immediately in ice water to halt cooking.

  f. Drain: Allow excess water to drain by spreading out the blanched pieces on clean towels or paper towels.

  g. Freeze: Transfer drained squash into resealable freezer bags or airtight containers before storing them in the freezer.

2. Freeze Raw

To save time or if you prefer not to blanch your squash before freezing, you can opt for this method which involves freezing freshly sliced squash without any pre-cooking.

  a. Prep: Proceed with washing, peeling (optional), slicing or cubing as mentioned above.

  b. Pre-freeze: Lay out squash pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking together when frozen.

  c. Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for several hours until the squash is fully frozen.

  d. Store: Transfer frozen squash pieces into freezer bags or airtight containers before placing them back into the freezer for long-term storage.

3. Shredded and Frozen

This technique is ideal for freezing squash varieties such as zucchini, which can be incorporated into many dishes like bread, muffins, fritters, and more.

  a. Cleanse and grate: Wash your squash thoroughly and grate using a grater or food processor with a grating attachment.

  b. Drain: Using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel, remove any excess liquid by gently squeezing it out.

  c. Portion: Divide grated squash into portions suitable for your intended use (e.g., one-cup portions for recipes).

  d. Pack: Place each portion in individual freezer bags or airtight containers with a small space at the top to allow for expansion when frozen.

  e. Freeze: Once packed, store the containers in the freezer until required.

By utilizing any of these three freezing methods, you can ensure that you have readily available fresh squash all year round to prepare various delectable dishes both savory and sweet.