Dehydrating zucchini is a great way to store this seasonal squash, and spread the summer superabundance out over the whole year!Yield: 2 cups (190g) of zucchini pieces will yield ⅓ cup (14g) dried zucchini
Ingredients
4lbszucchinisee note 1
Instructions
Start with clean hands, equipment, and countertops.
Slice the zucchini—For zucchini pieces: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut the zucchini into ¼” slices. From there, you can cut them into half moons, quarter slices, or cubes if you like.For zucchini chips: slice to ⅛” inch rounds. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, etc.For zucchini shreds: Use the large holes of a box grater and shred the zucchini.
Arrange the zucchini on dehydrator trays, utilizing a mesh liner to prevent the zucchini from falling through the holes as it shrinks.
Dehydrate at 125ºF (52ºC) for 6-12 hours until the zucchini is dry and brittle—it should break, not bend (see note 2).
Storage Tips
Let the dried zucchini cool completely before storing.
Short term storage: If zucchini will be consumed within a few weeks, store in a ziptop bag or sealed container on the counter or in a pantry.
Long-term storage: Condition by loosely packing the dried zucchini in a transparent, airtight container. Leave it on the counter for a week and check it daily for signs of moisture. If condensation appears, return the zucchini to the dehydrator (unless there are signs of mold—then, throw out the whole batch). Shake occasionally to keep the pieces from sticking together.
After conditioning, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Vacuum sealing will help extend the shelf life and quality of the zucchini.
Notes
Note 1: You can dehydrate any amount of zucchini that will fit in your dehydrator. 4 lbs represents approx. 10 small- to medium-sized zucchini.Note 2: Total time will depend on your machine, total dehydrator load, humidity in the air, air temperature. 6-12 hours is a range and you should rely primarily on the feel and texture of the zucchini to determine doneness.Zucchini pieces should be dry and brittle in texture when properly dried. To test, remove a slice and let it completely cool. It should break, not bend. If they have any signs of remaining moisture, put them back into the dehydrator or oven to dry longer.