Freezing leftover squash is quick and easy. Just follow this step-by-step guide. We also reveal what you should consider when freezing pumpkin.
Before freezing: cut the pumpkin into pieces
Before you freeze the squash, you should break it up into small pieces. This way you can defrost it later in portions. All you need is a sharp knife and a cutting board.
To prepare the squash for freezing:
Halve the squash lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the soft insides and seeds.
Depending on the variety, you may need to remove the skin.
Halve the halves again lengthwise and cut into small pieces.
Freeze the pumpkin so it doesn’t stick together
If you freeze the squash straight away, the pieces may stick together afterwards. You can prevent this with the following trick:
Spread the pumpkin pieces on a baking sheet.
Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours.
You can then transfer the pre-frozen pumpkin pieces into freezer-safe containers.
Put the containers in the freezer.
It’s a good idea not to cook the squash before freezing, otherwise it will become mushy. Alternatively, you can boil the pumpkin, puree it and freeze it in the jar.
Depending on the variety, the pumpkin changes its consistency in the freezer. If you need extra crunchy pumpkin for a recipe, it’s better to use a fresh one. Since pumpkin can be stored well, you can buy it regionally until the end of winter.
Freeze squash as a soup
If you freeze the squash as a soup, the consistency does not change and you have a quick meal for cold winter evenings. It is best not to use any spices – you can add them to the warmed up soup if you like.
Tip: If you freeze the pumpkin soup in portions in glasses, you also have a healthy and quick lunch for work. Just take out the glass the night before and warm it up on your lunch break.
It is best to use up the entire pumpkin
Pumpkin is versatile: You can not only prepare it as a soup, but also as a smoothie, spread or any other pumpkin recipe. You don’t have to throw away the skin – depending on the type of pumpkin, you can eat it too. The cores don’t have to go in the trash either. You can roast the pumpkin seeds – this turns them into a delicious snack.
