Want to save some squash for later? Have more than you need? Learn about freezing one of fall's finest squashes.
The freezer can be your greatest tool to prevent food waste.
Also the reason you can stock up on things when they are in season.
Today we are looking at how raw Delicata squash does when frozen.
For more on preventing food waste check out our Toss or Keep page
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🥶 Why Freeze?
Unlike butternut or acorn squash, Delicata squash does not hold up as long. It has a thinner skin, which is great because it's edible, but also means that it's more likely to be bruised or develop soft spots. I usually try to use them up within 2-3 weeks of buying them.
They aren't available year round, which is another great reason to turn to your freezer.
🏆 Best Way to Freeze
I think the best way to prepare the squash for freezing is to be able to use a vacuum sealer. Here is why I like this method.
- Cuts down on the potential of dehydration and freezer burn.
- Squash stays put, can't fall all out of the bag like it could if you just use a poorly made zip top bag.
- The package is flat so it better fits in the freezer.
💡 Tips for sealing - Seal the squash in a single layer, don't stack them. Also try to portion into a serving for one meal, whatever size that is for you and/or your family.
If you don't have a vacuum sealer, simply just lay your squash pieces onto a sheet pan. That is if you can get one to fit in your freezer. If not use something else flat. Make sure to arrange the squash so it's a single layer and they won't touch or slide together in the freezer. Then freeze until solid. Place into a quality plastic zip top bag until ready to use.
🕰️ How Long Will Last in the Freezer?
Some people say you can get a year out of it. I haven't kept it in my freezer that long to know for sure. I mainly freeze it because I didn't use it all at once. I plan to use within the month or up to 3. If I had a larger freezer I might try to see how long it would go for. I do think vacuum sealed will last longer.
❔ Can You Cook It Without Defrosting
Yes, you can do this. I have not experimented with all cooking methods, but I did try taking my frozen Delicata directly from the freezer into the air fryer. I found that no additional cooking time was needed. It was already cut thin enough that it warmed up really fast. Surely was coinvent. I am confident you could do it the same if you put it directly in the oven.
🔪 RECIPE - How to Air Fry Delicata Squash
➕ More Squash Posts
Here are some more squash posts on the blog to check out:
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