How to Freeze Winter Squash the Easy and Simple Way

Quick Take

Wondering what you’re going to do with all the fresh winter squash you’ve gathered all summer? Before you throw it all away or use it as compost pile; why not learn how to freeze winter squash and enjoy it in your favorite recipes all winter long?

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Winter squash is a tasty vegetable that grows in the summer. These orange gems are good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. It is also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids , copper, thiamin, vitamin B, folate, tryptophan, panthothenic acid, niacin), pyridoxine, beta carotene, and iron. Whether you shop at the farmer’s market or grow your very own squash, most of you will end up with more than you need. Don’t give it away or use as fertilizer; freeze it so you can enoy them at your convenience past the annual harvest season. Know everything about how to freeze winter squash and savor the taste of summer into the cold, wintry months.

Choosing Squash

This process can be applied to all kinds of squash. Winter squash includes the pumpkin, butternut, and acorn squash varieties. All these freeze best when picked fully matured and skins are hardened. Choose a large and heavy squash, which has a richly colored skin, free from spots and blemishes. Winter squash must be cooked fully before freezing. It differs from summer squash, which only requires blanching before the freezing process.

Cooking the Squash

Remove fibers and seeds with a spoon. Set in a baking dish cut side up.

As mentioned earlier, winter squash must be cooked before the freezing process. The easiest way to cook squash is by baking. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need

Spoon
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Knife
Baking dish
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Cutting board
Hand mixer
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Aluminum foil
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What to Do

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius
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Wash the squash thoroughly
Cut winter squash in half
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Remove fibers and seeds with a spoon.
Set veggie in a baking dish – flat or cut side up
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Add ¼ inch water to the baking dish
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Secure with aluminum foil
Let it bake for 30 minutes or more – until tender
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Gently remove skin – it is easier to remove when cooked
Dice to make it easier to puree or mash
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Use a hand mixer to puree or use a fork to mash

Freezing and Storing Squash

Label the bag with name and date – best to use within 3 months from date.

Choose a high-quality freezer bag with zip lock to avoid spillage. Freezer bags are recommended rather than using rigid containers, which can crack due to extreme temperature, and use up a lot of space. Let your blended winter squash cool and spoon into the freezer bag. Pack lightly. Remove as much air as you can before sealing.

Enjoying Frozen Winter Squash

yummy winter squash soup!

Now that you know how to freeze winter squash, there is absolutely no reason for you not to have winter squash risotto for family holiday get-togethers and take pleasure in downing hot squash soup on cold, frosty evenings. Imagine snow falling outside your window while you are warm inside and savoring the taste of warm summer. It is easy, simple, and worth the effort.