How long does zucchini last?

Whole zucchini keeps about 1 week in the fridge. Yellow summer squash keeps 4 to 5 days in the fridge, or 1 to 5 days at room temperature. Grated or sliced, both freeze for about 10 to 12 months.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Zucchini	1 week	10 months	—
Summer squash	4–5 daysfrom purchase	10–12 monthsfrom purchase	1–5 daysfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if zucchini has gone bad

Soft, mushy or wrinkled skin, often starting at the ends.
Slimy patches, mold or dark, sunken spots.
Stringy, hollow or very seedy flesh with a bitter taste. Very bitter zucchini should be thrown out.

How to store zucchini

Keep zucchini dry and unwashed in the crisper drawer, in a loose or perforated bag.
Wash it just before cooking: moisture makes it go soft and moldy.
Wrap cut zucchini tightly and use it within a couple of days.
Large zucchini from the garden keep a little longer than small, tender ones, but are less tasty.

Can you freeze zucchini?

Yes, for about 10 months. Grate it for baking (squeeze out the water after thawing), or slice it, blanch it for 1 to 2 minutes, cool it and freeze it in a single layer. Frozen zucchini is soft, so use it in soups, sauces, ratatouille, bread and muffins rather than salads.

Questions

Should zucchini be refrigerated?

Yes, for more than a day or two. It keeps about a week in the fridge.

Why is my zucchini bitter?

A strongly bitter zucchini can contain high levels of natural compounds called cucurbitacins, which can make you ill. Don't eat it: throw it out.

How long does cooked zucchini last?

3 to 4 days in the fridge, like other cooked vegetables.

Add zucchini to ShelfLife, and get a reminder before the summer glut goes soft.

▶ Coming soon toGoogle Play Coming soon on theApp Store