How long can zucchini be stored after harvesting?

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable used in cooking. So it's no wonder that home cooks worry about how to preserve it until late winter. It's not difficult; the key is choosing a location and organizing storage properly.

Storage methods and periods

Zucchini can be stored at home for up to six months. However, there are certain conditions and guidelines that should be followed to ensure the fruit retains its quality. These guidelines vary depending on the storage location.

In the refrigerator

Vegetables will last longer if you place them in paper or plastic bags beforehand. If you choose the latter, make sure to poke holes in the bags to allow air circulation to prevent rotting. Zucchini will keep in the refrigerator for about 3 months.

Before placing the fruits in bags, they should be wiped with a dry cloth and then transferred to the fresh vegetable compartment.

In the cellar

If you live in a private home, you can store the product in a cellar. However, you must adhere to certain conditions:

• the air temperature should be 4-6℃ with a plus sign - this is possible preserve zucchini until spring;
• air humidity should be at 85%;
• Constantly inspect the vegetables and if some of them start to rot, they need to be disposed of.

There are several ways to store it:

1. Place the fruits in a single layer in a cardboard box, but separate them with homemade dividers. Don't close the container to avoid cutting off oxygen supply.
2. Hang them in nets – you can buy special nets for this purpose, or use cheesecloth, old stockings, or plastic with holes in them. Hang the zucchini so that they don't touch each other. Frequent ventilation is required.
3. Place the fruits on shelves lined with straw, leaving space between them.

This method is suitable for storing large harvests.

At room temperature

If you need to preserve vegetables for a short period, choose thin-skinned ones. Zucchini should be placed in a box in a dark place, such as a pantry or under the bed. They will last 14-21 days this way.

If the fruit has a thick skin, it should be stored at a temperature of 18-22°C (64-72°F) and no container is required. They don't need to be washed, but it's important to clean them of any dirt and then store them in a dark place. They will keep for 2-4 months.

There's another way to use fresh vegetables stored indoors for up to six months. To do this, you'll need ripe, firm-skinned vegetables with a long stem of at least 10 cm. Wipe them with a dry cloth and place them upright in a paper-lined container. The container can be made of any material, but the walls must be non-solid. Place the container in a cool place.

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In the freezer

One of the well-known and popular ways to save Freeze zucchini for the winter To do this, you need to wash the fruit, peel it, and prepare it as desired. You can cut the pulp into cubes, slices, etc.

Place the ingredients on a tray or cutting board, distributing them evenly across the surface. Freeze them for a few hours, then remove them and divide them into bags or other containers before returning them to the freezer. It's best to portion them out.

Storing zucchini for a long time is easy. The key is to choose the right method and follow all the recommendations. This way, you can avoid rot and enjoy fresh vegetables all winter long.