Zucchini goes by many names. People call it baby marrow, courgette, summer squash, etc.
But one thing is certain. It is one of the most beloved greens. You can cook it in various ways. Lately, zucchini patties are getting all the buzz.
However, storing zucchini is quite a task. People often wonder, how long does zucchini last in the fridge? Here’s the truth!
Table of Contents
- How Long Does Zucchini Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Does Cooked Zucchini Last in the Fridge?
- How Long Does Zucchini Bread Last at Room Temperature?
- Does Zucchini Go Bad in the Fridge?
- How Do You Know When Zucchini Goes Bad?
- How to Store Zucchini in Fridge?
- Can You Freeze Grated Zucchini for Bread?
- How Long Does Shredded Zucchini Last in Freezer?
- Final Words
- Crystal Hafley
How Long Does Zucchini Last in the Fridge?
Zucchini can last up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge, depending on its freshness. If you buy it premium fresh from a grocery store, it can easily survive 12-14 days.
But that can also go the opposite way. Buying old zucchini can affect its shelf life in your fridge.
You will notice it starts getting expired within a week. Zucchini can also survive at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Storing zucchini properly in the fridge is the key to extending its lifespan. The choice of container, temperature and purchase date can heavily affect its shelf life.
How Long Does Cooked Zucchini Last in the Fridge?
Cooked zucchini can last anywhere from 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It should be covered in a sealed or airtight container.
Cooked zucchini has a shorter lifespan than uncooked. It only remains fresh for up to 2 days.
After that, you will notice some changes in your cooked zucchini. You can also store it in the freezer to extend its lifespan.
Before refrigerating cooked zucchini, it is better to let it cool down. Otherwise, it can negatively impact the fridge’s glass shelves.
How Long Does Zucchini Bread Last at Room Temperature?
Zucchini bread remains fresh at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
If the environment is supportive, it can even survive 3 days, although you will notice a change in flavor.
Fresh zucchini bread can have a longer lifespan at room temperature. But, it is still recommended to refrigerate it. Some people keep it on the kitchen counter.
This method is good if you are only keeping it overnight. Otherwise, it will become a target for bacterial growth.
Does Zucchini Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, zucchini can go bad in the fridge for many reasons, like keeping it too long.
Refrigerating zucchini slows down bacterial growth but does not stop it. Hence, it remains good for up to 2 weeks as compared to 2 days at room temperature.
However, it can still spoil in the fridge. The common reasons could be an inappropriate container, changing temperature, the refrigerator door is frequently opened, etc.
How Do You Know When Zucchini Goes Bad?
Zucchini develops wrinkles when it is expired.
It is easy to point out and recommended to discard zucchini when it feels slimy. When attacked with bacterial growth, zucchini will develop an unpleasant smell.
It is caused by mold growth which can occur if you keep zucchini for a long time under the wrong conditions.
Still unsure? Well, you can cut zucchini to ensure it has not gone bad.
If you notice a brownish interior, that is a common sign to tell your zucchini has expired.
You might also like to know:
How to Store Zucchini in Fridge?
You can store zucchini in the fridge by packing it in a bag and keeping it in the crisper drawer.
Here’s how to store zucchini in the fridge:
- Do not cut off the zucchini.
- Wrap them nicely in a paper bag and keep one end open.
- Close the other end.
- Put the wrapped zucchini in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
It is also better not to wash your zucchini before refrigeration. The ideal temperature for storing whole zucchini is between 41oF to 50oF.
Can You Freeze Grated Zucchini for Bread?
Yes, you can freeze-grated zucchini for bread.
However, it is important to consider that storing it in the freezer without any wrapping is not helpful.
To freeze the grated zucchini, opt for a plastic bag. The additional layer will help prevent zucchini from turning into ice cubes.
How Long Does Shredded Zucchini Last in Freezer?
Shredded zucchini can last in the freezer for up to 4 months.
That said, this duration can vary. Shredded zucchini should be stored with a protective layer. You can use a freezer-compatible bag or a glass jar.
But make sure that your zucchini is as dried out as possible. Leaving moisture inside can cause your zucchini to turn into ice cubes.
Final Words
Zucchini can survive weeks in the fridge. That is to say if you provide it with the right conditions. What are those? Well, that starts with the right container.
Moreover, you should only store uncooked zucchini in the crisper drawer. Consider buying fresh zucchini so that it can last longer.
If you want to keep it longer, cut it into slices or shred it.
Now, you can store zucchini in the freezer for up to 4 months. So, you can learn more delicious zucchini recipes during this period!
Crystal Hafley is a dedicated writer and content creator for WorstBrands, where she specializes in writing insightful reviews about kitchen appliances and fashion products.
With her expertise, Crystal provides readers with accurate and reliable information to help them make informed decisions about the brands and products they use every day. When she's not researching or writing, Crystal enjoys cooking and exploring the latest fashion trends.