Got extra zucchini? If you’re like most homesteaders, you probably do. These vegetables grow prolifically, and it’s not hard to find yourself inundated with more zucchini than you know what to do with.
While many people choose to dehydrate or freeze their zucchini, canning is a great way to save freezer and cupboard space. Canning is an easy way to produce a long-lasting supply of this delicious crop, as canned foods last over a year in most cases.
That said, there are a few issues related to canning zucchini…that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done, but there are some safety considerations you’ll want to take into account before doing so.
In this post, I’ll address all of those – and give you some safety recommendations for how to process your zucchini in a way that preserves all of its flavor and nutrients!
Can You Can Zucchini?
Technically, yes. You can can zucchini.
Zucchini must be canned using a pressure canner. Water bath canners only reach boiling point temperatures, while pressure canners heat contents to 240 degrees Fahrenheit (115 Celsius).
Any low-acid foods, like most vegetables, meats, and seafood, must be canned using a pressure canner to avoid the risk of contracting botulism or other foodborne illnesses.
If you don’t own a pressure canner, don’t risk it — just go ahead and freeze your leftover zucchini.
While spiralized zucchini can do quite nicely, it’s worth being willing to experiment with your canning recipes to obtain the proper ratios. Whatever doesn’t work well with canning can be frozen, pickled, or dehydrated.
Here’s a super easy way to can zucchini using the raw pack method…
The National Center for Home Food Preservation is a great resource for those looking to learn more about canning and preserving food. However, there are some foods that the National Center does not recommend canning, and one of those foods is zucchini.
Here’s why:
Reason #1: The Texture of Zucchini Changes When It’s Canned
One of the primary reasons why the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend canning zucchini is because the texture of the vegetable changes when it’s canned.
When zucchini is canned, it becomes softer and less crisp. This change in texture can be unappetizing to some people.
Reason #2: There is a Risk of Botulism
Another reason why the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend canning zucchini is that there is a risk of botulism.
Botulism is a serious illness that can be caused by eating food that has been contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. canned foods are particularly susceptible to botulism because the canning process creates an oxygen-free environment where bacteria can thrive.
Reason #3: Canned Zucchini Often Tastes Bland
A third reason why the National Center for Home Food Preservation doesn’t recommend canning zucchini is because canned zucchini often tastes bland. This is due to the fact that much of the flavor of zucchini is lost during the canning process.
If you’re looking for a way to preserve zucchini that will taste good, pickling or freezing are often better options than canning.
What About Canning Other Kinds of Squash?
If you’re interested in canning your own squash, you may be wondering if it’s safe to can other types of squash besides zucchini. The answer is yes, winter squash is fine to eat as long as you have a recipe.
However, summer squash should not be canned unless you are pickling it. This is because the high water content of summer squash can cause the cans to break during the canning process.
If you’re looking for a delicious way to preserve your summer squash crop, pickling is a great option. Otherwise, stick to winter squash for your canning needs.
The Alternatives to Pressure Canning Zucchini: 3 Recipes to Try
So if pressure canning zucchini isn’t a great idea, and you can’t safely water bath can it, either, what are your options?
Here are a few ways to safely can your squash zucchini.
Zucchini Relish
Zucchini relish is a great alternative to pressure canning zucchini. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways, such as on sandwiches or as a topping for burgers or hot dogs.
To make zucchini relish, simply shred zucchini and combine it with chopped onion, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour before serving or canning.
Pickled Zucchini
Another alternative to pressure canning zucchini is pickled zucchini. This recipe is similar to the relish recipe above, but it also includes garlic and dill weed.
Simply combine shredded zucchini with chopped onion, garlic, dill weed, white vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Pineapple Zucchini
If you’re looking for a safe alternative to canning regular zucchini, pineapple zucchini is a great option. This type of zucchini is less likely to harbor harmful bacteria, making it a safer choice for canning. In addition, pineapple zucchini is less likely to become mushy or waterlogged during the canning process.
As a result, your canned pineapple zucchini will retain its shape and texture, making it a great option for dishes like stir-fries or soups.
Here’s a recipe from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
What Supplies Are Needed for Canning Zucchini?
The first step in canning zucchini is assembling all of the necessary equipment. You will need:
- A boiling water canner
- Glass jars with lids and rings
- A kitchen timer
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Towels or oven mitts
- A large pot
- Colander or strainer
Now that you have gathered all of your materials, it’s time to move on to the main event: the ingredients. For most recipes, you will need:
- Fresh zucchini, washed and ends trimmed
- Water
- Vinegar (pick your favorite type!)
- Salt (kosher or pickling salt works best)
Other recipes may call for additional ingredients, like various herbs, spices, and even sugar as well. Always read the recipe before getting started to make sure you have everything you need!
Steps for Canning Zucchini
If you choose to follow any of the recipes I gave you above for canning zucchini, here are some general tips to follow.
Always pay attention to the individual recommendations for each recipe you’re canning, as they might change these steps slightly – but in general, these are great “all-purpose” instructions to follow.
Step 1. Clean and Sterilize Your Jars
I either wash the jars in the dishwasher, or in hot, soapy water. Then, I place them in the oven and heat them at 250 degrees. I let them stay hot there while I prepare everything else.
You will also want to sterilize your lids and bands, even if you’re using brand-new bands (you should NEVER reuse lids, as the seal won’t be as effective).
To do this, simply bring some hot water to a boil on the stovetop and drop in both the lids and bands. Then, bring the heat to a simmer. This will also help you keep them hot while you’re preparing the jars and ingredients.
Step 2. Prepare Your Ingredients
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While it’s heating up, you can wash the squash, scrubbing it with a vegetable brush to get it extra clean.
Cut the ends off and peel if you prefer it that way. You can then cut the squash into whatever shapes or sizes you need.
The best options are as thick rounds about half an inch thick, or into cubes. You can also spiralize or shred your ingredients, depending on how you plan to use them later on. It also depends on what the individual recipe calls for.
Whatever you do, don’t mash the ingredients before canning. Tests have proven that there are density issues with mashed squash that can prevent adequate heat distribution.
You may choose to blanch the squash before canning as well. This will help preserve some of its freshness but is not a required step. If you decide to do this, simply dip the squash for two minutes in boiling water.
Step 3. Prep Your Recipe and Fill the Jars
Once you’ve made your recipe, it’s time to load the mix into hot jars, leaving about an inch of headspace. You can add salt if you prefer, but this is not required. Don’t add more than half of a teaspoon for pints or a teaspoon for quarts, as it will become overly salty over time.
Step 4. Remove air bubbles
To remove air bubbles, press with a wooden spoon or tap the jar gently on the counter. Then, wipe the rim of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids and bands on the jars.
Step 5. Process the Jars
Your next step is to process the jars. I won’t get too specific here, since the processing time will vary depending on whatever recipe you are following.
Step 6. Let the Jars Cool
Place the jars on clean towels to cool and seal. Try to set them out away from the breeze, as this can cause the jars to crack. You may hear popping noises as the lids seal.
Store the Jars
Canned zucchini will store for several months on end. Signs of spoiled jars include mold or discoloration, although some white residue atop the jars is a normal byproduct of canning.
You can simply wipe it away, then sit back and admire your pretty little jars!
Other Ways to Preserve Zucchini (Besides Canning)
Don’t want to go through the effort of processing and pickling your zucchini? You don’t have to do it. There are other options.
Unfortunately, unlike other kinds of squash (winter squash, namely), zucchini doesn’t last long if it hasn’t been preserved in some way. Butternut and spaghetti squashes, for instance, will last for months in a root cellar or even a dry basement – not the case with zucchini.
However, you have other options. Here are some of my favorites:
- Make zucchini bread
- Freeze shredded zucchini
- Dehydrate it
- Freeze zucchini whole or in cubes to cook later on
Final Thoughts
While canning zucchini may be convenient, there are several reasons why the National Center for Home Food Preservation does not recommend it.
The texture of zucchini changes when it’s canned, there is a risk of botulism, and canned zucchini often tastes bland. If you’re looking for a way to preserve zucchini, pickling or freezing are often better options than regular pressure canning.
Now that you have some ideas on how to safely do it, get started! It’s a great way to use up your zucchini harvest and ensure you have lots of this tasty vegetable around to get you through the winter.
A city girl learning to homestead on an acre of land in the country. Wife and homeschooling mother of four. Enjoying life, and everything that has to do with self sufficient living.
Hey you mentioned about freezing squash and it would be crunchy……how can I do that because mine is soggy when I take it out of the freezer THANK YOU
Get them as dry as you can before freezing them. I sprinkle a tiny bit of Kosher or pickling salt then pat the seeped liquid off with paper towels. The dryer the zucchini the better than flash freeze single layer.
I did this. Then I read that the FDA does not recommend canning (even pressure canning) summer squash. I could not trust this after that. The question would be, has anyone gotten sick after doing this?
I use a recipe from a Better Homes and Gardens canning book. 6 pounds zuchinni, 6 pounds tomato, 3 cups onion, 3 cups green pepper. Boil for 5 minutes before putting into hot jars. Process at 10 pounds pressure for 40 minutes. Like all canned vegetables, you have to boil them for 10 minutes before eating, tasting, etc. Sometimes I omit the green pepper and onion as they are just for flavor. You could also add some lemon juice to increase acid content. It is a good recipe for soups or stews.
Here is recipe from a Better Homes and Gardens canning book from 1974. 2 pounds zuchinni, 2 pounds tomatoes, 1 cup onion, 1 cup green pepper. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Put into hot jars and process in pressure canner at 10 lbs pressure for 40 minutes. A triple recipe makes 7 quart jars. Like all low acid vegetables, you have to boil for 10 minutes before tasting or eating. I have never had any problems.
No
The reason they don’t recommend is because of uneven cooking temps. I assume this would be for mashed or tightly packed jars. I pack my jars very lightly. I have not eating my canned squash yet but I have no doubt that it is fine. The squash and zucchini tend to shrink when cooked, giving the jars even more space. Lots of liquid inside. I’m sure my cooking temps were quite even. But again, just my opinion!
I have canned summer squash many years and used it in winter soups with no issues.
Did you follow this recipe? Is it just mush after the canning or does it hold its shape still?
I really want to try canning zucchini for soups too!
I’ve canned zucchini for years. It isn’t approved because they haven’t tested it, not because it isn’t safe.
I would think that chicken or vegetable broth would be a good liquid for the canning of squash. Add cut up peeled tomatoes and you got a real meal in a jar….with the broth, a really nice soup/stew. Think herbs too, like basil, oregano and thyme and the like.
Don’t stop there, make vegetable stews and use your imagination. Fresh parsley or celery cut up in there too….go nuts. Just do it.
I put stuff up all the time. And we have a garden. But don’t let not having a garden stop you. Go to the market in or outdoor and watch for produce sales at the end of the season and take advantage of it.
I got lots of tips …..drop me a line at 17starman@tds.net.
Rick in Wisconsin
Definetly. Last year I mixed yellow squash with zucchini and Vidalia onions with garlic and rosemary and parsley. I also added one tablespoon of lemon juice to help with acidicity. I put them in canner my pint jars for 25 minutes and I tell u they came put awesome. I also experimented with fresh tomatoes peeled and cut in quarters and didn’t add them to mixture till the last minute. Few weeks later I opened a jar of squash and zucchini and it was amazing. The garlic the butter everything was so tasteful and it definetely wasn’t like baby food. Lol.
Hi can you please tell me more on how to do this. I’m new to canning.
I have quite a few yellow squash and zucchini. Could use some canning recipes and cooking recipes…best way to use them as pasta.
My favorite yellow squash recipe:
1-med. onion
2- cups mashed cooked squash -cooked very tender drained and mashed
2- egg
1- can cream of chicken soup
2- cups cornbread crumbled ( I freeze leftovers for this)
Chop onion cook in skillet with butter until clear. Combine squash with slightly beaten eggs. Add cream of chicken soup and cornbread. Lightly grease pan and cook at 350 for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
You can take them and drain the water off and let them drain in a colander for awhile. Then put into a bowl and add an egg and some cornmeal, enough to form patty’s with them. Make them about the size of hamburger patties and fry them. It’s just like eating fresh in the summertime in the dead of winter. YUM
I only can about 4 jrs use it in my veggie soup good
I have huge over load of yellow crooked neck and straight nevk squash , Please tell me how to put in freezer so it wont be soggy when thawed to cook!!! Desperate
Linda,
I’ve had better luck cubing squash instead of slicing it, then blanching and freezing.
U don’t have to put in freezer. U can can them. Just scald them in hot boiling water for two minutes take out. Have ur garlic butter seasoning mixture ready. Make sure u have a tablespoon of lemon juice in jar before u stuff with squash. Pour mixture until u have half inch head space. Put ur sterilized jar tops on and boil in water for twenty five to thirty five minutes depending on ur boil level. Trust me. After a few weeks the flavor of ur seasoned mixture will infuse and all u got to do is open jar put in pan and warm and uve got a great side dish for any occasion. Delicious. Fresh.
What the recipe for the garlic butter seasioning that you use
I don’t see where that amount of lemon juice used in low-acid foods would raise the acidity enough to safely can in a boiling water bath. Low-acid foods need to be pressure canned. Depending on geographic location your risk may be low to moderate, but it’s just a bad idea.
Guy, i would love to talk with yu via email
Me, too, Guy!
I’m trying to learn how to can zucchini, yellow squash, orka, eggplants &bell peppers and onions can you help please I did tomatoes and was told not to water bath can it was unsafe but still ate my tomatoes and didn’t get sick.
It is safe to water can tomatoes, but not any other low acids vegetables. I recommend finding a canning cookbook and following directions. Unless pickled, any vegetable other than tomatoes need to be processing in a pressure canner
thank you for your experience and expertise, I dont have a pressure canner and have always been told the same as you, and what do you know I’m still alive as well; must have been those vaccinations we received lol
Hello Guy I would like to know how long does itt take. For the water bath canning processing how long shall I leave the jars in the water bath Thank you S. X
How much garlic butter seasoning do you use
This year I actually fried some and put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer,when they were frozen I took them out and put them in freezer bags for storage. We like to heat them in our air fryer they are really good.
You should buy a food sealer, and it will take all the oxygen out, then freeze. It will taste like you just did it, and last for a very long time in freezer.
long time, ,just saw post, i slice, bread em, then put on parchment paper to freeze individually i then remove and put in my seal a meal. take out what i want and fry
I have canned squash for years and the only complaint has been that it gets too mushy. i came to this page to see if I could reduce the cooking time. Instead i read not to can it at all. I can it the same as other vegetables. 35 minutes for quarts at 15 psi.
Try scalding it in boiled water for 2 minutes or less. And then stuff ur jars. Once u go to can jars make sure u got one inch head space and when the water is at a good boil try canning for only 25 minutes. I have never had a problem with my squash zucchini mix being mushy. When u open the jar and warm for a few minutes they still have a crunchy taste to them not to mention the seasonings u may choose to put in. I’ve learned the hard way. Trial by error and canning squash for me is easy peasy the best way to go just think in terms of mushy or crunchy? Ten minutes difference will not hurt bUT will make a definite difference in texture.
I am not a fan of squishy squash too but I have found it to be so yummy in a squash casserole. Slice squash half in. thick, slice a med. onion, place onion and squash in a sauce pan with 3/4 cup water until just tender. Drain. Use a full sleeve of ritz crushed in a separate bowl, add one cup of shredded cheese (your flavor choice) to the ritz, mix it. Pour squash in pyrex casserole, mix in 3/4 of the ritz/cheese, add one egg, stir to mix thoroughly. Spread in the dish, sprinkle remaining ritz mixture over top as a crust. Bake in 350º oven for thirty min. or until top is golden brown. Way to easy. My sister tried this adding shrimp in the casserole and loves it even better. I used 3 pds of squash in this recipe. You will discover after making this at least twice that it is easy to adjust for one person or several.
Over abundance of squash can be made into squash relish which is very good and can be eat with anything.
I just canned squash for the first time… I did it in pint jars, I put squash in pot and about boiling time I dipped it into my jars with 1/4 spoon of Canning salt.. then put in a canner with juice an boiled for 30 mins all has sealed do you think I cooked it Long enough?? Reading everyone’s advice now I’m worried I’ll get sick.. how can I tell of its bad other than the smell
Boiled it for 30 mins? Sounds like you used a water bath canner rather than a pressure canner?? All veggies and meats (low acid foods) must be canned with a pressure canner. Regular boiling water bath canners that you use for pickles or fruits dont get hot enough to kill potential pathogens. On the topic of summer squash, the powers that be dont recommend canning it at all – even in a pressure canner. I do, as i always have, but im not sure id trust water bath canning it. Especially if youre new to canning. Get a Ball Blue Book canning guide. The recipes there are safe. Dont follow random internet advice about canning until you understand very well exactly whats happening, how and why. Dont kill your family. “If in doubt, throw it out.”
My mother in law only uses a water bath canning method no matter what. She has been canning for 30+ years and refuses to listen to me about the dangers of not pressure canning her corn, green beans and even tomatoes… no one has ever gotten sick but My son and I do not eat her canned vegetables
My s and parents canned the same way. They didn’t have pressure canners back then. We have been eating canned tomatoes all our life and have never gotten ill.
Well tomatoes are high in acid so they’re more safe. Just a taste of botulism can wipe you out so I wouldn’t trust green beans or other low acid food. However when in doubt if there is botulinum toxin in your vegetables you can simply boil it for 10 minutes after taking it out of the jar and it will neutralize the botulinum toxins if present.
Yes, needs to be pressure canned! There was no directions for zucchini in my book, so I used the green beans directions with my pressure canner. I pressure can everything I can, even higher acid fruits and tomatoes. I feel it is safer.
Add lemon juice. I am eating on last years squash done with water bath. A bit soft but good.
How exactly do you do this. I have no pressure canner.
I love this argument. My grandmother never put us in seat belts and no one got killed in an accident! Guess I won’t tell my grandkids to wear a seatbelt either. Or that pesky sunscreen stuff. Come to think of it, there were no such things as car seats, either. Yup, if it was good enough for my grandmother and no one died….
according to your advice we shouldnt take your advice, How do you argue with 100 years of practice and experience over something your read in a ball book? Just sayin
My grandmother also did this. No one ever got sick to my knowledge.
You can’t see or smell if your food contains botuline toxin (cause botulism). But you can easily extinguish the toxine by cooking your food for 10 minutes before serving it. So if you use your canned squash to make soup or moussaka, there is no problem.
More on botuline toxin: It is made by a bacteria (spore) that can only be killed by heating food for 15 minutes at 121°C that why one needs a pressure canner. You can also can regular canner, it will kill all other bacteria but not the one that produces botuline toxin. So when your jar is infected with this bacteria, it will produce the toxin (unless the jar contains an acidic mixture (pH lower than 4.8) or when the jar is stored in the fridge). By cooking the canned food for 10 minutes before eating, the poison breaks down.
I want to make zucchini “apple pie” filling. The recipe calls for 2 cups of lemon juice and of course, other ingredients. It calls for 5# of pressure for 8 minutes. Is that a long enough time to be safe?
I also saw another recipe for a hot water bath for 10 minutes. I don’t want to waste my time making this to have it spoil or be dangerous. Would appreciate you advice!
Hi Terri,
Sorry I didn’t respond more quickly. Have you already tried canning this? I would be leery of pressure canning any vegetable for such a short amount of time. But it’s hard to say since lemon juice has been added for acidity.
I just canned some of this today. I slice my zucchini in slices about 1/2″ thick. I put them in a pot with water just below covering them. I spice with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and mace (if you like it) and lemon juice. How much lemon juice depends on the size of your batch. I put 2 Tbls in a batch of 3 large zucchini. (Large in my case is a zucchini that is at least 12 – 14″ in length and filled out enough to make slices about the width of a large apple.) I cook them down until tender and liquid is thickened. You can add cornstarch to thicken to desired consistency. Once they are done, I ladle them into prepared jars. I put mine in 1/2 pt jars but we use them for fried pie filling, with bisquits ect. I put the lids on and place them in a water bath canner covered by at least 1″ of water. I boil them for 10 mins once the water in the canner is at a good roiling boil. Have done this for the last 5 years and we love them. Can’t tell it’s not made from apples.
I was wondering if you could use the hot water canner to can zucchini as long as you add lemon juice. I have an over abundance of zucchini this year and I have run out of freezer space. Everything I read keeps saying pressure canner but I don’t have one of those. If the concern is because of botulism, wouldn’t putting in something acidic like lemon juice remove that concern. I’ve tried giving away zucchini and everyone must be overwhelmed like me and I hate to see it go to waste.
When we had an over abundance of zucchini, I sold my excess to the local IGA. They gave me 89 cents a pound which was what they paid their distributor.
Search your community for a local “farm share” . There is one in my community at a local church.They distribute your over abundance of food to lower income families.
Do you have to cook them till tender first before putting into jar for hot water bath canning ?
I have canned winter squash
and for some reason it had a sour smell to it. I have been canning for years and this is one thing I did not have good luck with. any suggestions?
Jean,
It may be better for you to freeze your abundance instead.
i was wondering too my whole batch went bad , it was canned july 2015 and i went to use it and it is all sour , help please
Does anybody know if you can can butternut squash? I’ve got TONS this year and would prefer to can it if possible. I prefer canning to freezing for the simple reason that should the electricity go out, all my hard work isn’t lost. Any help, QUICKLY, sure would be appreciated!
I just found your post. Yes, butternut squash is can-able, follow directions for pumpkin butter. ONLY pressure can.
Hi,
In the USA butternut squash is known as a “winter” squash-which means it will last thru many months of winter. We usually (here in southeast) pick it when it is ripe. We then just store it in a cool dark place thru the winter,in a basket.
The fresh squash usually “keeps” for 4-5 months. We prepare it by roasting it in the oven.(slice in two or four slices. Top it with butter or other oil, sometimes it is stuffed-it always has seasonings, herbs, dried fruit or breadcrumbs etc sprinkled on it.)
Because butternut is a denser harder squash like a pumpkin it will spoil quicker if canned. Expect it to only stay canned about 4-5 months before it spoils. Many places say to not to can pumpkins due to being too dense to heat to required temp to kill bad bacteria. It HAS to be pressure cooker canned.
It is just easier to keep the butternuts whole and just cut & cook as needed.
i am new to this canning thing.
my question is why did my canned squash turn cloudy?
and why cant i just clean ( cleaning as it says to do) and put the squash in jars and seal with hot water in it and then let it call cool down before putting away?
Cynthia,
Not sure why exactly your canned squash turned cloudy. You must can it in a canner to heat it adequately. If you don’t put it in a canner and go through the process, you’re risking food poisoning. Good luck!
It usually turns out cloudy if you use “table salt” instead of “canning salt” in the canning process.
Make sure to use canning/pickling salt. Using table salt will turn it cloudy.
Kosher salt works fine
Because you can’t clean off all the bacteria on and in the squash or even on the jars. Spore forming bacteria make spores that even boiling will not kill. Those bacteria can’t function in an acid medium which is why tomatoes and pickles can be canned with just a boiling water bath. But with non acid vegetables it takes the high temperatures you get with pressure canning to kill them. To get those high temps inside the jar you have to be sure fluid can move around inside the jar, which is why there is now a question about even pressure canning summer squash, since it squishes down to be very densely packed. Which I admit I have done in the past. I think you should buy a book or two on canning. My favorite is Putting Food By.
Great advice.
So a pressure canner is the only only way to can zucchini?
My grandmother and mother have canned zucchini made into pickles for 40+ years using a water bath canner. Never had a problem and none of us have ever got sick. Pickling them is one way to use up your excess zucchini.
The reason why you had no problems was that you pickled them and that has the acid needed to keep the bacteria at bay. That’s not the case with canning the squash with just water and salt. Then you need to pressure can.
So basically if I put vinegar in the water and salt mixture it is ok to can the squash.I was planning on making squash pickles. Came to this site and y’all have me seriously worried. *First time gardener and cannner here.
I use my food processor to shred the zucchini and then i freeze it in small bowls. Once frozen, i pop it out like an ice cube and put in vacuum sealed bags. Use it all year in bread and sauces.
Bunny Johnson,
Do you use a pressure canner when canning your squash without water?
Can you shred zucchini and can it? And use it for Bread later on, without it turning into mush. I tried freezing and it just turn mostly water.
Cher,
I shred and freeze zucchini all the time for zucchini bread. It does get watery when you thaw it, but I just drain that off.
You don’t want to drain off the liquid from the frozen zucchini, all the vitamins and goodness is in that water. I adjust the addtional liquid accordingly, to keep the batter a cake batter consistency.
Makes sense.
We put four cups of shredded zucchini in a bag and freeze it. Our recipes call for two cups and when thawed and drained you have two cups. Works great
Hi! I love squash but would prefer for it to be fresh when I cook it. We plant a whole (HUGE) row of squash every year. Since the canned squash is too mushy, I always just fry it in the frying pan with onions. My husband really likes deep fried squash but only gets it at garden season since we don’t buy squash during the rest of the year. Thanks for the post! 🙂
Rebecca,
We love it fried with onions and salt and pepper. Yum!
I find when using canned squash, if you drain it real good, have the oil real hot when you pour in the squash, then don’t stir or turn it for awhile, Then when you do turn it, use a spatula and carefully turn it, it won’t be so mushy.
I can my squash without water. You will probably can squash again once you try it because it is good.
What is your recipe for canning squash with no water? Thank you
The USDA cannot find an agreed upon time for pressure canning the summer squash. Having said that many canners(those with more experience than I) agree on about 40 min for qts. at about 10 lbs of pressure. As to the USDA comment about packing the jars. A good just barely ripe summer squash will hold it’s shape under canning. From what I’ve surmised packing the jar with the slices cut at a consistent size and NOT over packing solves the cook down problem. Using hot liquid will fill the jar and make sure the center of mass is started out hot. I am curious if using the pickle crisp would help with maintaining the firm texture most of us like. Maybe it’s time the USDA stopped running from the issue and did the studies to verify times/pressure etc so we all could enjoy canning this wonderful vege. After all if the electricity goes out your hard frozen work goes up in flames. Any thoughts?
Linda, I am wondering the same thing about pickle crisp. Have you tried it yet? Want to can some squash this Sunday. I am planning on canning it in my pressure canner at 10 pounds. have read different times. Mainly want it for soups this winter. Thanks Becky
Canned squash may or may not be safe. I don’t know. But PICKLED squash/zucchini is safe and great on a tomato sandwich. There are plenty of recipes. I add salt, dill, onions and garlic to mine. It’s a great way to enjoy your produce later in the year.
What was the texture like? I prefer fresh squash that I bake in the oven with onions, potatoes, carrots, zuccunni, olive oil and Italian Seasonings. Do these stay firm or turn into mush?
Christi,
They stayed firm enough to pick up in a whole piece, but they were very soft.
this is my first time canning & i don’t want to fail. the question is , i have a pressure cooker not a pressure canner. what is the different? can i use pressure cooker instead of a canner. help i just don’t know. my other half keeps saying my parents always used the pressure cooker. HELP PLEASE I’m so confused. Debi from florida.
Debi,
Absolutely NOT.. you cannot use a pressure cooker to can. If you have an All American Pressure Cooker/Canner, that’s fine, but if it’s not a cooker/canner, you can not can in it.
Many pressure cookers are made so they can double as canners. Additionally, you can use many other pressure cookers as canners PROVIDED YOU PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL!!!
First, you are going to need something to space the jars up from the bottom of the pressure cooker. If your cooker came with one of these, it is intended to double as a canner.
Once you have cleared that obstacle, you need to know how much pressure is generated before the cooker vents. If it has a gauge, this is another sign that you cooker is a cooker/canner. The amount of pressure is a function of the weight that sits on the vent. The pressure may be indicated on the weight. Check with the manufacturer to see if other pressure weights are available for your unit.
Finally, you need to know how much pressure is needed for canning at your altitude. Too much pressure is not a problem, because it will result in greater heat – too little pressure won’t kill the microbes you need to kill to safely can low acid foods.
Pressure canners are available for less than $100.00. My 23 quart canner will do 16 pint jars (with room left over for 8 more 1/2 pints) – or 7 quart jars and 8 pints. It has a gauge and generates up to 17 psi. That’s enough to safely can low acid foods even in Denver! It cost me $90.00. My point is simple: Canning equipment can be had for not a lot of coin. Unless you really know what you are doing, you are better off buying a dedicated canner. Once you know what you are doing you can always take another look at grandma’s pressure cooker.
I have used overgrow zuccini. making sure seeds are not woody, cut in about 1 inch round slices, dredged in egg wash, Italian bread crumbs and fried till light golden brown on both sides in olive oil. Drain and cool on paper towels and freeze in single layers in freezer bags. Reheat in oven and serve with a sprinkling if your favorite grated cheese. You can serve them over spahgetti or rice with roasted onions, garlic, olive oil and more cheese.
That sounds really good, Annie. Thanks!
I have canned sunner squash the way my mother,grandma, and greatgrandma have done since the 1800″s hot water bath 3hrs rolling boilling. never used pressure canner. never hurt us
How do u do it
I have done this with Squash and green beans for years also my grandma and great grandma never hurt us either!
I currently have some in a hot water bath… I half the zucchini & roast it in the oven. Scrape out the fleshy part of the zucchini & blend it in the blender. Pour into jars & cold pack for 3 hrs.
I make alot of zucchini pies in the summer. One taste like sugar cream pie . The other like pumpkin pie. I cook the zucchini first to make the pies so canning the squash would be perfect. I also make baked zucchini long slices like eggplant parmesean with left over spagetti sauce and meatballs and italian sausage.
Hey everyone! If you haven’t done it, you need to do it! Pickeled zucchini is amazing! Kosher Dill as well as Bread and Butter is unbelievably good as well as a great way to put all that over sized squash to great use. In fact, I let mine get BIG, lay quart jar along side BIG zuc, cut to fit, then make spears, stuff back into the jar and pour your pickling liquid right over them and process in water bath! Doesn’t get any better than this!
I like to saute’ summer squash with minced garlic, chopped onion and diced tomatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. You can serve it chunky like that or simmer for a bit. It makes a delicious meatless sauce over pasta with fresh grated parmesan cheese!
Thank Kendra for all the great information on canning, drying and freezing. I’m starting to get a bumper of squash so I am gearing up for the season.
I see a lot of folks dehydrate it…then what do you do with it and how do you store it? and in freezing- do you slice it or shred it? thanks!!
Katie,
I store my dehydrated squash in covered mason jars, and toss them into soups and stews as needed 🙂 I slice mine to freeze. Hope that helps!
I did try frying squash I had canned by your instructions and they turned out great. Thanks very much.
Wonderful, Carol!! I’m wishing I’d had more to put up… mine’s all gone!!
I have just been reading this about the Zucks. And I’m going to give it a try. Mine are going nuts here in Washington state. Last year I froze mine and didn’t like the way they tasted later. I normally only make stewed zucchini or zucchini bread. I am wondering if anyone has tried to can stewed zucchini yet.
I am sure they are being very cautious, as they should be. I take it that they are concerned about round slices packing too tightly. I wonder what would happen if they were quartered and processed longer (i.e. the standard 1.25 hours for pints, 1.5 hours for quarts)? I feel confident that this method would be safe, but what would be left? Mush?
Summer squash and zucchini are no longer reccomended for canning by the USDA. 🙁 http://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_canning.html#24
How do we can or perserve our spaghetti squash for the winter being that this weather here in the midwest so dry and hot with no rain for so long. Our spaghetti squash has gone nuts and a couple of them are almost as big as small pumpkins but we have tried something different this year I went to raised beds and newspaper straw and grass clippings and a little peatmoss.
I would like know if I could because we don’t want our hard work to go to waste. I want to thankyou for your time and if you could give us a short E-Mail back we would appreciate vary much as we are retired now and home all the time.
best wish from house to yours.
Jimmer in the Southland
ksmith691@gmail.com
I just read the recipe for canning summer squash. Why does everyone want to complain that canning isn’t safe? I have done it for years. This is my first attempt at summer squash though. I love canning, home remedies, drying, and being self sufficient. I don’t honestly care how crazy anyone thinks I am! Thanks for posting how to do the squash, gonna try it now. Carolyn
Carolyn,
I hope you enjoy your canned squash as much as we have 🙂
I have a bumper crop of both zucchini and yellows going and the growing season is just getting started.
I have a Fannie Farmer Cookbook that has these diferences in instructions for canning summer squash:
Bring water to boil and cook squash for 3 minutes before jarring. Pressure cook for 40 minutes at 10 pounds.
Boiling water kills most bacteria, so this is why they did it in days gone by.
Also, if you like to can your own tomato and spaghetti sauces, just temporarily freeze some of the squash until you’re making your sauces and marinaras. They add great flavor and texture.
leaving apt now to go to “farm”, nephew’s house, to pick and can green beans. we are bucket rich in zucchini this year. been baking gluetin free zucchini bread and muffins. will try canning. love onions, garlic, squash in spaghetti sauce over GF spaghetti.
Can u just boil on top of store ( the jars ) after u get zucc put in them…instead of using a pressure cooker..
Christie- if you want to can them, you’ll need a pressure canner.
The Amish have been canning squashs for years and I am sure our great grandparents and further back were also canning it. Why all of a sudden is it not safe? Anyway according to an Amish cookbook I have the time they say for pressure canning the squash is 90 minutes.
I have been reading about canning summer squash…I would be careful feeding it to my baby…the recipes I found called for using a pressure cooker for 90 minuets..60 minuets less than you are saying. Think I will play it safe freeze some…dry some and eat alot of it
now.
Oh wow. Thanks Tresia. I wonder why there is such a discrepancy in time among recipes? Freezing is probably the way to play it safe, if long term storage isn’t the goal. Thanks for the heads up!
HOW DO YOU COOK THE SQUASH AFTER IT IS CANNED. I’VE NVER LIKED COOKING SQUASH AFTER IT IS FROZEN, IT TEARS ALL TO PIECES. SO HOW DO YOU COOK THEM?
Pam, honestly I’ve only used the canned squash for baby food, lol! It would probably be good in baked casseroles though 🙂
It is not safe or recommended to can any summer squashes. I found this on The National Center for Home Food Preservation websites FAQ:
Why is canning summer squash or zucchini not recommended?
Recommendations for canning summer squashes, including zucchini, that appeared in former editions of So Easy to Preserve or USDA bulletins have been withdrawn due to uncertainty about the determination of processing times. Squashes are low-acid vegetables and require pressure canning for a known period of time that will destroy the bacteria that cause botulism. Documentation for the previous processing times cannot be found, and reports that are available do not support the old process. Slices or cubes of cooked summer squash will get quite soft and pack tightly into the jars. The amount of squash filled into a jar will affect the heating pattern in that jar. It is best to freeze summer squashes or pickle them for canning, but they may also be dried.
Also putting glass jars in a dry hot oven could cause them to shatter and is not recommended by any reputable guides as a safe way to heat and sterilize your jars.
OMG!!!! I have been looking for hours! This is so easy. Thanks for posting it!!
i just read it is not safe to can summer squashes, but my husband’s favorite is tomatoes, green pepper, onion and squash. I can for 90 minutes and make sure i re-heat it thoroughly.
Grrr, I see it now! Lol…lonnnnng day!
I may just be really tired and not with it tonight but you didn’t mention canning salt?
Doing this tonight.
This isn’t exactly on topic, but–when I cook corn on the cob if I have extra ears leftover, I cut the kernels off the ears and freeze them in pint sized bags. This gives me frozen corn for winter without having a marathon freezing session. I usually don’t cool the ears by putting them in ice water, but it can easily be done. Also some pressure cookers (not canners) will process pints if you have only a small amount of whatever available. This, too, is not as disruptive as a major canning session. When using the pressure cooker I cut a piece of coth to fit the bottom of the cooker to protect the cans since the rack, if there is one, might make the cans too tall to get the lid on. Pressure cooker instruction books used to explain this.
Wanting to make sure readers understand that the squash must be “Pressure Canned” If not your lids may look sealed but they are not! You could poison yourself and your family by serving Squash that has been canned using a waterbath method.
They are probably sealed. That’s not the issue… low acidic foods must reach a temp of 240°F to kill off botulism spores. Only pressure canning can reach this temperature.
I’ve found my canned summer squash is too mushy unless I use the older squash. The nice young squash I now eat fresh, freeze or dehydrate. I only can the squash that *gets away from me*…big old zukes or crooks.
Thanks, I only ever grew up eating it fried. Since being on my own I have used it in stir fries, fresh on Kabobs and grilled.
I’ve been sauteing my squash and zucchini with fresh basil and garlic and that’s very good. I puree it up for the baby too! You can also chop them in a food processor and add as a base or texture in lots of soups and sauces. I’m going to freeze some already processed for canning spaghetti sauce. And here’s another recipe that looks good: Summer Squash Casserole
So glad you posted this! My squash plants are producing like crazy and I’ve never found a recipe to can it. Please update and let us know how it turns out once you use it because our favorite way to cook it is just as you mentioned in your post. I’m curious how it turns out. :0)
Thanks, this is just in time, I got two free bags of zuchinni this morning!
Just what I needed my eight ball squashes are starting to bear in this HOT weather.
How do you use it once it’s canned??
Dana,
We like to eat squash and onions fried in olive oil until tender and just browning, then sprinkled with lots of salt and pepper. I’m hoping these canned squash will do well with that, though this is my first time canning squash so I haven’t tried it out yet. If it’s good, I think next time I’ll can squash and onions together, if that’s okay to do. You could also add it to soups, stews, and spaghetti sauce 🙂 I’d imagine casseroles would work too.