How To Dehydrate Zucchini
It’s zucchini time now. Why not preserve them for later use in upcoming hiking trips? Dehydrating zucchini and summer squash is very easy and does not require much preparation.
There are five forms of dehydrated zucchini I usually use to create my backpacking meals: slices, cubes, shreds, zoodles and powder.
Thinly sliced, seasoned and crispy zucchini chips make a delicious hiking snack. Dried zucchini rings also good in trail pizza or pasta recipes.
You can use dried zucchini shreds to thicken soups and stews, to enhance the flavour of your backcountry dishes and pump up the nutrition value.
Dried zucchini noodles or zoodles are low-carb and gluten-free alternative for pasta.
Zucchini cubes can be used in a variety of recipes, including stir-fries, casseroles, and even as a side dish
Zucchini powder (flour) is a great base for gluten-free backpacking meals and baked goods such as muffins, bread or pancakes. Could also be sprinkled on pasta or omelettes.
Here’s step by step guide on how to dehydrate zucchini for your next adventure.
Choosing Zucchini to Dehydrate
- Use zucchini that has been harvested recently. Fresh zucchini retains more nutrients and flavor.
- Choose zucchini with vibrant green skin. Avoid those with dull or yellowing skin, which can indicate over-ripeness or spoilage.
- Opt for medium-sized zucchini, about 6-8 inches long. These have a good balance of flavor and moisture content. Larger zucchinis can be more watery and have more seeds.
What you’ll need:
- A sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- A spiralizer or julienne peeler (for soodles)
- A dehydrator
- Storage containers (vacuum-sealed bags, mason jars, or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers)
How to dehydrate zucchini slices
Step 1
Wash the zucchini. Cut off both ends. Thinely slice zucchini about (1/4” – 1/8″ thick) using mandoline, food processor or just knife.
Step 2
Spread zucchini slices in a single layer on dehydrator mesh tray.
Step 3
Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-12 hours until crispy.
Step 4
Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
How to Dehydrate Zucchini Shreds
Step 1
Wash the zucchini. Cut off both ends and slice in half lengthwise. Shred the zucchini using a food processor or cheese grater.
Step 2
Squeeze out excess water from zucchini. Spread on dehydrator tray lined with non-stick sheets or parchment paper.
Step 3
Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-12 hours until the shreds are totally dried out and crunchy.
Step 4
Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.
How to Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Step 1
Wash the zucchini. Cut off both ends and slice in half lengthwise. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer your noodles without the skin.
Step 2
Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create long, thin strips of zucchini that resemble pasta noodles. A spiralizer is ideal for this task, as it creates uniform, curly noodles
Step 3
Blanching (Optional). But it help preserve the color and texture of the zucchini noodles. To blanch:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Immerse the zucchini noodles for 1-2 minutes.
- Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 4
Lay the zucchini noodles in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Ensure the noodles are evenly spread out and not overlapping to allow for proper air circulation.
Step 5
Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-8 hours until completely dry and brittle.
Step 6
Allow the dried zucchini noodles to cool completely. Store them in airtight containers. Vacuum-sealed bags or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are best for long-term storage. Keep them in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
How to Dehydrate Zucchini Cubes
Step 1
Wash the zucchini. Cut into uniform cubes. Aim for cubes about 1/2 inch on each side to ensure even drying.
Step 2
Blanch (Optional)
Step 3
Lay the zucchini cubes in a single layer on your dehydrator trays
Step 4
Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-12 hours. Check the zucchini periodically; they should be completely dry and brittle when done.
Step 5
Once dried, allow the zucchini cubes to cool completely.
Step 6
Store the dehydrated cubes in airtight containers. Vacuum-sealed bags or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers work best for long-term storage. Keep them in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life.
How to Make Zucchini Powder (Flour)
To make a zucchini flour, grind completely dried and cooled slices, cubes or shreds in a coffee grinder/food processor into a powder.
Transfer the zucchini powder to airtight containers. Vacuum-sealed bags or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are best for long-term storage.
Store the powder in a cool, dark place to maximize its shelf life.
Recipes With Dehydrated Zucchini
Curried Zucchini Soup
Italian Stew
Roasted Ratatouille
