How to preserve squash
I just got a squash from a coworker (he grows it) and it occurs to me that my wife likes to use fresh vegetables for making our own baby food. It also occurs to me that she's out of town for the next two weeks.
What options do I have to preserve this squash in such a manner that she can make baby food when she gets back? If it can sit on the counter for three weeks and be just fine, that works for me. Otherwise, what can I do to cook it that won't render it unusable for baby food? I don't really know what goes into baby food other than I think she steams the veggies so they're soft for our baby.
Best Answer
If it's a summer squash you could maybe try freezing it? Since it's being turned into baby food anyway, preserving crisp, freshness isn't high on the list of priorities?
Disclaimer: I have no experience freezing summer squashes, but a quick google came up with this and it seems to make sense: http://www.pickyourown.org/freezing_summer_squash.htm
A further search reminded me that Alton Brown covers freezing stuff in an episode of Good Eats. He explains why the above blanching method works for many vegetables.
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Quick Answer about "How to preserve squash"
We recommend preserving summer squash or zucchini by pickling or freezing. Summer squash is good for you. It is low in calories and many varieties provide vitamin C, potassium and, if the skin is eaten, beta carotene. Preserve summer squash by freezing, pickle them for canning or dry them.How do you preserve uncooked squash?
You can freeze raw butternut squash pieces in the same way you would freeze berries: Place them on a baking sheet, spaced out so they don't touch each other, and freeze until very firm. Then gather them in a freezer container, leaving room for possible expansion. Freeze until needed.How do you store yellow squash long term?
Store fresh squash in the refrigerator crisper in plastic storage bags or rigid containers to retain moisture. Stored in this manner, squash will maintain quality for 5-7 days. Avoid storing fresh squash in areas that might freeze.How do you preserve yellow squash for winter?
Wash the squash and cut it into \xbd-inch slices. Water blanch the squash for 3 minutes. Cool the squash in ice water, drain, and package it in rigid freezer containers. Leave \xbd inch of headspace before sealing and freezing.Can you freeze fresh squash?
But what happens when you have an abundance of summer squash and not enough time to use it all up? Just freeze it! Yes, you heard that right. You can easily freeze summer squash and enjoy it year-round.How to FREEZE ZUCCHINI and SQUASH | NO Blanching | 2020
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Answer 2
What type of squash? Winter squashes will certainly sit on the counter for several weeks, as long as it stays fairly cool and dry.
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