If you want organic zucchini in the winter, you will pay about $3 for two medium-sized zucchini. However, now while they are in season is the time to get them from your garden (if you planted them) or from your local farmer’s market.
Zucchini is everywhere! If you are doing your best to eat seasonally, this is outstanding news for you because zucchini produces abundantly!
Before you become overwhelmed, know that you don’t need to eat it all at once and that it can easily be preserved to eat later in the year.
1. To use up zucchini, make zucchini noodles.
You can use a spiralizer to make the noodles. If you do not have one, a knife will work just fine! Cut off each end of the zucchini and slice it in half lengthwise. Slice the zucchini until you have noodle-like pieces. Boil them until tender and serve with your favorite sauce and meat. You can also freeze the zucchini noodles to use later, in the fall or winter. Do this by placing them on a cookie sheet in a single layer, freezing overnight, then moving them into a plastic bag or your preferred method of storage in the freezer.
2. Grill the zucchini!
You can slice zucchini or cut it into spears and grill it with your favorite vegetables. You can also use them to make shishkabobs with your favorite meat, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
3. Steam the zucchini.
To make a delicious side dish, steam zucchini by itself or with other vegetables.
4. Make zucchini bread or muffins.
On a cooler day, have a baking marathon to make zucchini bread or muffins. Enjoy some with a meal or for a snack, and freeze some for last-minute company.
5. Shred and freeze zucchini to use for later.
Your can shred it with a grater or in your food processor. Then, freeze the zucchini in one-cup portions to add to your soups and stews this fall and winter.
6. Make zucchini pizza boats.
To do this, cut off both ends of the zucchinis; then cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds (you can compost them or dry the seeds to use the next year) and add pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake at 350 degrees until the zucchini is tender and the cheese melted.
7. Make zucchini pancakes.
Zucchini for breakfast? Why not?! Make these delicious pancakes for a healthy, savory breakfast. Yes, you can make a triple or quadruple batch for a quick, healthy, and easy breakfast for the future. It will be healthier and more economical than anything in the drive-through.
8. Make zucchini meatballs.
Again, you can make these delicious meatballs to go with your favorite pasta or as an appetizer. Freeze any leftovers or make a double batch to freeze some for later!
9. Dehydrate your extra zucchini.
Dehydrated zucchini doesn’t take up room in the freezer. Plus, you can grind it up into flour and add it to your homemade bread. You can also add the dehydrated zucchini to your soups and stews when it’s cooler outside!
What is your favorite way to use up all the zucchini that is available this year? Please share in the comments.
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