When it comes to vegetables, the fridge is often seen as a safe haven. The vegetable tray can be used to store any veggies that you may have picked up at the grocery store or grown in your own garden.

However, there are some vegetables that should not be stored in the refrigerator for too long. One such example is zucchini. If left inside the refrigerator for too long, it will turn brown and start to decay. How long does zucchini last in the fridge? Keep reading to find out!

What Is Zucchini?

Zucchini is a summer squash that belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo. It grows quickly and can even reach up to 20 inches in length!

Zucchini, also commonly called courgette, is cylindrical in shape and has smooth, dark green skin. It can be baked, steamed, or eaten raw in classic recipes for salads and dips. It can also be used for dinner meal prep for a delicious meal.

It’s usually green, but it can come in other colors like yellow, white, and orange. They grow very quickly and are ready to harvest in less than a month. It’s one of the most popular vegetables in America!

It has many different varieties including Baby Zucchini, Patty Pan Squash, Scallop Squash, and Straightneck Yellow Summer Crookneck. The fruit of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Spiralized zucchini pieces can also be frozen or canned for later use.

How Long Does Zucchini Last in the Fridge?

Zucchini will usually last for about five days when stored in the refrigerator. It’s very important to know how long zucchini lasts because not only does it make a great summer vegetable, but it can be used throughout autumn and winter as well.

Zucchini can also vary greatly in size, so some may go bad faster than others. If the zucchini is starting to look wilted or slimy, it has most likely passed its prime and should be disposed of.

Fresh raw zucchini can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Cooked zucchini will only last for 2-3 days. If you’re looking for a way to store your zucchini for an extended bit of time, freezing is always an option.

Simply chop up the zucchini fresh spiralized vegetables into small pieces and freeze in an airtight storage container. Frozen zucchini can last up to three months in the freezer!

How to Store Zucchini in the Fridge

Here are the steps to follow when storing zucchini in the fridge:

1. Wash the zucchini thoroughly under cold water
2. Cut off both ends of the zucchini and discard them
3. Slice the zucchini into thin pieces or grate it using a cheese grater
4. Pack the sliced zucchini into a freezer bag or an airtight container
5. Place the zucchini in the fridge and it can last up to 5 days until its expiration date

Alternative Storage Methods

There are alternative ways to effectively store zucchini. You can always store them in a paper bag or wrap them in aluminum foil. But, make sure that the zucchini is completely dry before you freeze them!

How to Tell If Your Zucchini Has Gone Bad

There are several ways to tell when your zucchini has gone bad. These include:

• Presence of rotten spots: If there are holes, the appearance of mold growth, or discoloration on the skin of your zucchini, then it’s probably safe to assume that it has gone bad. Pay attention to the appearance of zucchini slices for signs of decay. Any bumps on the surface can indicate where bacteria has begun growing underneath.

• Foul smell: A strong, foul odor is another sign that you should stop using your zucchini. If it has a strong, unpleasant smell then it’s best to discard it immediately as this is usually indicative of bacterial growth underneath the surface of the skin.

• Softness: If you find that your zucchini is extremely soft or mushy when squeezed between two fingers, then it should be thrown out right away. Soft spots are usually an indication of bad zucchini.

If you’re unsure whether or not your zucchini has gone bad, it’s always best to discard them just to be safe. Rotten vegetables can make you very sick, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Tips to Make Your Zucchini Last Longer

Here are a few tips to help make your zucchini last longer.

• Store them in the fridge as soon as you get home from the store. Don’t leave them at room temperature for too long.
• If you have more zucchini than you can use within a five-day period, freeze them for later use.
• Wash them thoroughly before use and make sure to slice them into thin pieces. This will help them to last longer.
• Don’t store zucchini near any other vegetables as they can contaminate them and make them spoil faster.
• Check for any rotten spots or signs of mold before using and discard if necessary.
• Store them in a paper bag or wrap them in aluminum foil if you are short on freezer space.
• Don’t overfill your freezer bags as this can cause the vegetables to freeze together and become difficult to separate later on.
• Label your zucchini with the date that you froze them so you know how long they will last.
• If you’re using frozen zucchini, thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking zucchini. Don’t refreeze once they have been thawed.

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. That being said, it’s important to store it properly so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.

Conclusion

How long does zucchini last in the fridge? Zucchini can stay in the fridge for up to 1 -2 weeks. A great way to store it is by slicing it into rounds and then layering it between paper towels or cloth before placing them inside a bag.

You can also choose to freeze your zucchini. Freezing shredded zucchini can help reduce bacterial activity by a couple of weeks than refrigerating alone would. This means that even after two weeks in your fridge, those leftovers may still be fresh enough to eat when they are thawed out later on!