Expert Shares Best Way to Store Fresh Zucchini

Tips to keep summer squash crisp and flavorful for up to a week in the fridge or longer when frozen.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:10pm

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An expert from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina shares the best practices for storing fresh zucchini and summer squash to maximize their shelf life and preserve texture and flavor. This includes keeping them refrigerated at the ideal temperature, avoiding exposure to ethylene-producing fruits, and properly freezing them for longer-term storage.

Why it matters

Knowing the right storage methods for zucchini and summer squash helps home cooks and gardeners make the most of their fresh produce, reducing food waste and ensuring they can enjoy the peak flavor and texture of these versatile vegetables.

The details

According to Jerry Lanuzza, associate professor at Johnson & Wales University, fresh summer squash including zucchini should be stored in the refrigerator at 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Storing them any colder can lead to cold damage and softening of the skin. Zucchini should be used within 3-5 days of refrigeration. Lanuzza advises against washing zucchini until ready to use, keeping it away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas, and storing any cut pieces in a sealed container. For longer-term storage, zucchini can be frozen by dicing, slicing, or shredding it, then freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen zucchini will have a softer, pre-cooked texture compared to fresh.

  • Zucchini and summer squash should be used within 3-5 days of refrigeration.
  • Frozen zucchini can be stored for longer periods for later use.

The players

Jerry Lanuzza

An associate professor at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina who specializes in food storage and preparation.

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What they’re saying

“Fresh summer squash, which includes zucchini, (as well as) yellow crookneck or straight neck, are best stored in a refrigerator at 41 degrees Fahrenheit.”

— Jerry Lanuzza, Associate Professor (Southern Living)

“If your refrigerator is set lower, you will need to use them faster. Generally, you will want to use them within about five days.”

— Jerry Lanuzza, Associate Professor (Southern Living)

“Frozen thawed zucchini is going to have a texture of blanched or pre-cooked zucchini. That makes it great for a stir fry, smoothies, or soups.”

— Jerry Lanuzza, Associate Professor (Southern Living)

The takeaway

Proper storage is key to maximizing the freshness and flavor of zucchini and summer squash, whether keeping them crisp in the fridge for up to a week or preserving them through freezing for longer-term use in cooking.