Melis Campbell
Zucchini can be prepared in many different ways and we like to serve them often. But if you want to have some of the vegetables for longer, you should think about the right storage. How should zucchini be stored to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible?
Whether you grill, boil or gratinate them: courgettes are an all-round vegetable in the kitchen. Zucchini taste best fresh and firm. But how long do they actually last? And how should you store zucchini if you are not going to use them right away?
Storing zucchini: what should you pay attention to when shopping?
Zucchini is a subspecies of the squash, the fruits of the plant are eaten. They are usually harvested half-ripe, the skin is still soft – and that is also the small weak point of green vegetables: Zucchini may look robust, but the skin is quite sensitive, making them very susceptible to scratches and dents.
Therefore, when shopping, make sure you have an undamaged shell that is firm and does not give way when pressed. Zucchini does not keep for very long. They should be eaten soon after purchase or stored in ideal conditions.
Storing zucchini: How long can they be stored properly?
In general, the thicker the peel, the longer the fruit will keep. In a warm environment, zucchini quickly become soft and moldy. At the right temperature, zucchini will keep for about one to two weeks.
Five tips for storing zucchini:
- Store only fresh, undamaged specimens.
- Store at a temperature of 8 to 12 degrees.
- Store rather dark, dry and airy, e.g. B. in the basement or in a pantry.
- It is best to store unpackaged, not in plastic or a can.
- Do not place next to apples, plums or tomatoes – the ripening gas ethylene makes the courgettes soft faster.
Even if they are no longer really crunchy, you can use them for soups. For a vegetable pan, however, it is better to use fresh zucchini.
How long does zucchini last in the fridge?
Zucchini are sensitive to cold. Longer storage in the refrigerator is therefore not advisable – especially because the humidity is too high here. The pumpkin plants can also be kept in the fridge for a few days, but then it is best to put them in the vegetable drawer. Another prerequisite is that the refrigerator is not set too cold – the temperature should not be below 0 degrees.
How should you store cut zucchini?
There is often a piece left over when cooking. The zucchini piece can be saved for a few days and then processed further. To do this, the cut area should be covered with cling film (caution: no aluminum foil!) and the piece – packed airtight in a container – stored in the refrigerator. Or you can use an environmentally friendly organic oilcloth as a sustainable alternative.
Does storage make zucchini bitter?
If the fruit is no longer quite fresh, it is important to keep your eyes open: if you find brown or watery spots or even mold on the skin, then throw it away, because these specimens are no longer suitable for eating.
But even if zucchini look neat from the outside, the impression can be deceiving. If they taste bitter, this is an indication of the poisonous bitter substance cucurbitacin. This protective substance of the plant can lead to vomiting and diarrhea even in small amounts. In the worst case, there is a risk of fatal poisoning if too many bitter vegetables are eaten.
If you want to store zucchini and pay attention to these points, you can look forward to enjoying fresh and delicious fruit later.
