Can You Freeze Yellow Squash? How?

Here is the ultimate guide on how to freeze and store yellow squash. 

These methods and tips have worked wonderfully for me. 

Let’s dive right into it. 

How to Freeze Yellow Squash?

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

If you are in a hurry and want to process the yellow squash quickly to freeze, this is the best way to go about it. 

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Materials

• Yellow Squash
• Baking Sheet

Tools

• Parchment Paper
• Ziploc Bags

Instructions

1. Slice or Cube: Wash and cut the yellow squash into slices or cubes depending on how you cook them later on.
   
   
2. Spread Out: Lay the cut squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that it is evenly spaced and doesn't overlap. If you are running out of space, you can add a sheet of parchment paper over the first layer and repeat.
   
   
3. Flash Freeze: Leave the tray of squash in the freezer for a couple of hours and let it freeze solid.
   
   
4. Pack and Seal: Portion the squash into easily manageable portions and pack them into Ziploc bags. Seal the bag after squeezing out the extra air in it.
   
   
5. Label and Freeze: Add a label with the measure and date written on it, and you can pop the bag in the freezer till you need it next.
   
   Check out this YouTube video by "98 colters" to see how it's done -

 Freezing Yellow Squash after Blanching Them

This is the most recommended way of freezing squash to keep them lasting longer and fresher in the freezer. 

Wash and Cut

Clean the squash thoroughly and then cut them into slices or cubes as you prefer.

Blanch

Cook the squash in boiling water for about 2 to 3 minutes and then immediately transfer it into an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Dry and Lay Out

Drain and pat-dry the squash to get rid of the excess water, and then lay it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure that it is not clumped together and is evenly spaced.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray of yellow squash in the freezer for a couple of hours and let it freeze solid. You could skip this step if you plan to use the squash for soups or stews later on.

Pack and Seal

Transfer the frozen squash into a Ziploc bag and seal it. Squeeze out all the excess air before sealing the bag.

Label and Freeze

Once you add a label on the bag with the best-before date, you are all set to freeze the squash.

Here is a cool tutorial by “Southern Country Living” on YouTube to see how it’s done –

Freezing Yellow Squash for Frying

If you plan to fry the yellow squash, later on, you can use this method to freeze it better for this purpose.

Cut and Prep

Clean and cut the yellow squash into slices for frying and then coat them with cornflour or any coating that you would use for frying them.

Spread it Out

Lay the coated squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and make sure that they are evenly spaced.

Flash Freeze

Leave the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours and let the squash freeze solid.

Portion and Pack

Divide the frozen coated squash into easy-to-manage portions and then pack and seal them in Ziploc bags.

Label and Freeze

Once you add a label on the bag with the date you can just pop it in the freezer till you need it next.

Freezing Yellow Squash after Cooking Them

If you have already cooked or sautéed the yellow squash, you can still freeze it with this method. 

Prep and Cool

Once you cook the yellow squash, let it cool down to room temperature. 

Portion and Pack

Divide the cooked squash into single-serving portions, and then pack them into Ziploc bags. Seal the bags after squeezing out as much air as possible. 

Label and Freeze

Add a label on the bag with the best before date, and you are good to go. 

Here is a video by “Our Forever Farm” on YouTube with a great recipe and a tutorial on how to freeze – 

How Long Can You Freeze Yellow Squash? 

Depending on the method you have used, you can freeze yellow squash for 3 to 10 months. Freezing yellow squash after blanching and flash freezing is the best way to make sure that it lasts long in the freezer. 

Blanching the yellow squash can get rid of the enzymes in it, which can degrade it over time in the freezer.

Blanching also makes sure that the yellow squash does not go mushy as it stays in the freezer for long.

How to Store Frozen Yellow Squash? 

You can store frozen yellow squash in a Ziploc or any freezer-safe air-tight container. The key is to make sure that the squash is not exposed to air. 

Since most of us are pressed for space in the freezer, it is best to opt for Ziploc bags.

You can freeze large quantities in separately packed portions without taking up too much space if you lay them down flat on top of each other. 

How to Defrost Yellow Squash? 

It is best to thaw the yellow squash in the fridge by leaving it in for a couple of hours to thaw gradually.

Do no thaw it on the counter or in the microwave, as it can drastically affect the taste and quality of the yellow squash.

If you plan to cook the squash, say, in soups or stew, you can directly add them to your recipe as they thaw quickly and would work well even without defrosting.

Yellow squash, like most vegetables, can get slightly mushy when it thaws. If there is any watery substance in the container or bag when you thaw the squash, make sure to drain it out before using it. 

Can You Refreeze Yellow Squash? 

No, it is best advised not to refreeze yellow squash once it thaws. The yellow squash can get mushy when defrosted, and if it was left out exposed to air, there are high chances of bacterial growth, and it can spoil.

So, it is best to consume it as soon as possible once defrosted. 

To avoid having to refreeze the squash once it thaws, you can portion it beforehand into quantities that you can easily manage in one sitting. 

Does Yellow Squash Freeze Well? 

Yes, yellow squash freezes well, and if done right, can last for a whole year in the freezer.

But keep in mind that, like most vegetables, the squash will not be as firm or fresh as it was before freezing. It is best used in cooking recipes than if you eat them raw.

Blanched squash freezes the best and is the most recommended way of freezing it.

Since the enzymes that degrade the squash are destroyed once it’s boiled, the yellow squash can stay in the freezer for much longer. 

FAQs

Bottom Line

I hope this article helped you freeze yellow squash to last all year long. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some freezing tips and hacks of your own, it would be great to hear from you.

Feel free to share this article with all your friends and family.