Preserve large zucchini harvests by shredding the zucchini and canning it or freezing it. Zucchini shreds work well in zucchini bread, spaghetti, salads and relish. Choose to shred with a food processor, spiral slicer or cheese grater.
Steps
-
-
Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Then, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.Advertisement
-
Scoop out the mature seeds in the center. If your zucchini is less than eight inches (20 cm) long, they may be left in without changing the consistency of your shredded zucchini.
-
Set up your food processor. Place the shredding disk on it if you have one. If not, you can shred it using the regular blade with a pulsing motion, although it will result in smaller shreds. [3] X Research source
-
Chop the pieces into two-inch (five cm) squares and toss them into the food processor. Fill it up to the top.
-
Pulse your food processor for 30 seconds or insert the squash through the shredding attachment. Check to see if your zucchini shreds are small enough. If they aren’t, pulse for 15 more seconds.
-
Order a spiral vegetable slicer. This device is similar to an apple peeler. You insert the vegetable and turn a crank to force it through the blade in a spiral motion.
- Spiral shredders come in a few different types. In some cases, you place the vegetable inside a small container. While others ask you to insert the vegetable into a horizontal platform.
- Read the directions carefully before using the slicer.
-
Wash the zucchini thoroughly. This machine works best with long, straight vegetables. Each squash should be at least one inch in diameter.
- Don’t cut the zucchini in half vertically. The slicer will leave a small core that includes the mature seeds.
-
Insert the squash into the machine, right in front of the blade. Place the lid or crank on the machine.
-
Turn the crank to cut the vegetable in a spiral motion. You will feel when the crank stops giving you resistance. A small vegetable core will remain.
-
Remove the spiral shreds from the machine or the other side of the spiral shredder.
-
-
Peel the zucchini if you don’t want the peel in your recipes. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise only if it is over eight inches (20 cm). Scoop out the mature seeds from the center. [5] X Research source
- If you are shredding a very large zucchini, cut it into fourths. Scoop seeds out of each section.
-
Place your large box cheese grater on your cutting board. Turn it so that it is on its side with the largest grating holes facing up. [6] X Research source
-
Grasp the top of the zucchini. Run it lengthwise along the top of the grater to achieve long, spaghetti-like shreds. You can turn the zucchini horizontally to make smaller shreds.
- Be very careful as you get closer to your hand. Reposition it frequently to avoid cutting yourself.
-
5Tip the box grater frequently to let the zucchini spaghetti fall out. Freeze or use the shredded zucchini. [7] X Research source
Community Q&A
-
QuestionCan I freeze zucchini for baking bread later?Community AnswerYes. However, do not leave a moist or old zucchini in the freezer as it may give the bread a very soggy taste.
-
QuestionHow do I store shredded zucchini?Community AnswerYou can store shredded zucchini in the fridge for short term storage and freeze it for longer term storage. If you freeze them, you will have to put them in freezer bags so they last longer.
-
QuestionHow do I use frozen shredded zucchini?HumanBeingTop AnswererIf you've frozen some shredded zucchini, you could use it when you make vegetable soup. Try adding frozen shredded zucchini to a vegetable lasagna or cottage pie. Try zucchini, cheese and bacon quiche. There are recipes online for courgette cakes that would work with shredded zucchini. Just be careful about the extra moisture in frozen shredded zucchini; thaw it out and drain it before use, if required.
Video
Tips
Things You'll Need
- Zucchini squash
- Food processor
- Shredding disk attachment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Box cheese grater
- Spiral vegetable slicer
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vud8wmXzWQs
- ↑ https://foodrevolution.org/blog/zucchini-benefits/
- ↑ http://www.mykitchenaddiction.com/2012/08/how-to-freeze-shredded-zucchini-wfmw/
- ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/article/291866/how-to-shred-zucchini/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cook-with-fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-cut-zucchini-5-different-ways/
- ↑ http://www.topwithcinnamon.com/2013/06/lazy-girls-zucchini-spaghetti-no-fancy-tools-required-with-peas-creme-fraiche-and-pesto.html
- ↑ http://www.eatingwell.com/article/291866/how-to-shred-zucchini/
About This Article
To shred zucchini easily with a food processor, start by washing the zucchini with cool water. You can also peel it if you don’t like the taste of the skin. Then, cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice it in half lengthwise. If your zucchini is longer than 8 inches, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds in the middle. Next, chop the pieces into 2 inch squares and put the cubes into the processor. Pulse the zucchini for about 30 seconds to shred it. Remove the shredded zucchini from the processor and enjoy! For more tips, including how to shred your zucchini with a spiralizer or a grater, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "I never knew which side of the grater faces up and I always cut my knuckles. I also didn't know if one should eat the skin or the seeds. Thanks." ..." more