How to store, freeze, and tell if zucchini has gone bad
Quick answer
-
Room temperature
Keeps for 1-5 days
Keep zucchini at room temperature if you plan to cook it soon, counted from the day you bought it.
Watch out Refrigerate zucchini that you bought pre-cut or packaged.
-
Fridge
Keeps for 4-5 days
Keep zucchini in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Watch out Throw away zucchini that looks rotten.
-
Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch or partially cook zucchini in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, then freeze it.
Zucchini lasts 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 5 days at room temperature, counted from the day you bought it. In the freezer it keeps 10 to 12 months. Blanch it before you freeze it, since the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking first. Throw away zucchini that looks rotten.
Buying zucchini this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Zucchini keeps 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator, 1 to 5 days at room temperature, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. The times count from the day you bought it.
FoodKeeper lists summer squash and zucchini together, so the same times apply to both. Winter squash has its own, longer times, covered below.
How long does zucchini last?
Zucchini lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge, 1 to 5 days at room temperature, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. The table also shows winter squash, which has its own line in FoodKeeper.
| Place | Zucchini and summer squash | Winter squash |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 1 to 5 days | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Fridge | 4 to 5 days | 1 to 3 months |
| Freezer | 10 to 12 months | 10 to 12 months |
How long does winter squash last?
Winter squash lasts 2 to 6 weeks at room temperature, 1 to 3 months in the fridge, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. FoodKeeper gives it separate times, so don’t use them for zucchini.
How to store and freeze butternut squash
Store butternut squash at room temperature for 2 to 6 weeks or in the fridge for 1 to 3 months, counted from the day you bought it. Those are USDA FoodKeeper’s times for winter squash, since it has no separate line for butternut squash.
You can freeze butternut squash for 10 to 12 months, the time FoodKeeper gives winter squash. Blanch it first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking before freezing.
How long does spaghetti squash last?
A whole spaghetti squash lasts 2 months in the pantry and 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Once you cut it, keep it in the fridge and use it within 4 to 5 days.
FoodKeeper notes that storage temperatures below 50°F, as in a refrigerator, make whole spaghetti squash spoil more rapidly.
How to store zucchini
Store zucchini in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, or at room temperature if you plan to cook it soon. Start at the store by choosing zucchini that isn’t bruised or damaged.
If you buy zucchini that’s pre-cut, bagged, or packaged, choose only items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice. Refrigerate pre-cut or packaged zucchini after you buy it.
Does zucchini need to be refrigerated?
Not always, but the fridge is the steadier choice. FoodKeeper lists zucchini at room temperature for 1 to 5 days and in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
The room temperature range starts at 1 day and the fridge range at 4 days, so refrigerate zucchini when you’re not sure you’ll cook it soon. Pre-cut or packaged zucchini always belongs in the fridge.
How long does zucchini last in the fridge?
Zucchini lasts 4 to 5 days in the fridge, counted from the day you bought it. If you can’t use it in that time, freeze it.
Can you freeze zucchini?
Yes, zucchini keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to FoodKeeper. Blanch it first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration.
You can read the full advice in the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety.
How to freeze zucchini
Blanch the zucchini, chill it rapidly, then freeze it. FoodKeeper gives summer squash, zucchini, and winter squash the same 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
- Wash the zucchini under plain running water.
- Blanch or partially cook it in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill it rapidly.
- Put it in the freezer.
Can you freeze shredded, grated, or whole zucchini?
Zucchini keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer, and FoodKeeper has no separate line for shredded, grated, or whole zucchini. That time counts from the day you bought the zucchini.
Blanch the zucchini first, because the USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking before freezing. Cook it partway in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill it rapidly and freeze it.
How to tell if zucchini is bad
Throw zucchini away if it looks rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce.
If only part of the zucchini is bruised or damaged, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
How to wash zucchini
Wash zucchini under plain running water, rubbing it gently, with no soap or produce wash. The FDA says produce is porous and can absorb soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash.
Scrub firm produce such as zucchini with a clean produce brush, then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Rinse it before you peel or cut it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface when you do.
Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them. The FDA explains more in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
How long does zucchini last at room temperature?
FoodKeeper lists 1 to 5 days at room temperature, counted from the day you bought it. The fridge gives 4 to 5 days.
Can you eat zucchini with a bruise?
Yes, after you cut the bruised or damaged area away. Throw the zucchini away if it looks rotten.
How long does winter squash last in the fridge?
Winter squash lasts 1 to 3 months in the fridge, counted from the day you bought it. That's longer than the 4 to 5 days for zucchini.
What does blanching do?
Blanching is brief, partial cooking in boiling water or in a microwave oven, followed by rapid chilling. The USDA says it prevents deterioration in vegetables that freeze well.
Should you use soap to wash zucchini?
No. Use plain running water, because produce is porous and can absorb soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash.
