Can You Freeze Yellow Squash? Here’s What You Need to Do

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How to thaw yellow squash

How to freeze yellow squash

Can You Freeze Yellow Squash? Here's What You Need to Do

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Yellow squash is absolutely delicious and we’re sure you’re going to agree with us, because there’s no way around it. Now, when you buy too much squash and don’t intend on cooking it right away, freezing your yellow squash can work just as well.

Of course, there are steps to follow and rules to abide to, but we love that we don’t have to throw away food when we can just preserve it.

Can You Freeze Yellow Squash?

One of our readers had an issue with having too much yellow squash, so they sent us the following message:

I have a couple of leftover squash from the basket my neighbor gifted me. I’ve already made squash soup, squash stew, and a squash casserole.

I would like to chop up the remaining squash and freeze it to add to recipes during the winter, but I’ve never tried to freeze yellow squash.

I’ve heard that the process is complicated, and I really don’t want to get into anything that’s too difficult or time-consuming.

I prefer the simplest method possible, without using any complicated techniques. Can you freeze yellow squash?

Yes, you can freeze yellow squash! It’s not as simple as just slicing the squash and throwing it in a freezer bag, but the freezing process is not all that time-consuming or complicated either.

The blanching technique used is actually quite simple. Put aside an hour or two one weekend afternoon and you’ll be set.

How to Freeze Yellow Squash?

Are you ready to freeze your yellow squash? Let’s get started:

First, choose yellow squash that are firm and ripe, without any large blemishes. The skin of yellow squash is not very thick, so there’s no need to peel the squash first. Choosing food at its best is key to getting good results from freezing.

Yellow squash should be blanched before freezing to preserve color, texture, and flavor.

• To blanch yellow squash, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil.
• Fill a large bowl with ice water, and have more ice water on hand.
• Cut the squash into slices about ½ inch thick, and add them to the boiling water in batches.
• Once the water returns to a boil, blanch for about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove squash from the water with a slotted spoon or colander basket, and plunge them in the ice water.
• Remove and lay on paper towels or clean dishcloths to dry.
• Repeat the process until completed, refreshing the ice water between batches. Pat dry.
• Place yellow squash slices on a baking tray in a single layer and put it in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the slices begin to harden. This stops them from clumping together when frozen.
• Place the slices into freezer bags.
• Squeeze out the excess air, then seal the bags.
• Label and date the bags, then place them in the freezer.

How to Keep Yellow Squash for Longer?

If you want to keep your yellow squash for longer, you’re going to have to make sure you take out all the air from the bag you’re putting it in. You can do this best with the help of a vacuum sealer. These appliances take out all the air in the bag and seal it perfectly, so no oxigen gets in.

We have a whole list of great vacuum sealers you can take a look at, but we do love the FoodSaver V4840 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine best. The FoodSaver works with freezer bags and containers alike.

How to Thaw Yellow Squash?

To thaw frozen yellow squash, you have to take a few steps only.

• Remove the bag from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.
• You can also add directly from frozen to soups and stews.