Dehydrating Zucchini

 

SHREDDED ZUCCHINI

Dried zucchini shreds are the perfect addition for winter baking. You can add them to muffins, breads and more. Since they have been shredded down to such a small indistingusiable size, they are great for sneaking into soups and stews or even pasta sauce. They dry quickly and are perfect for storage.

  1. Wash your zucchinis.
  2. Peel (optional).
  3. Shred with a cheese grater or a food processor for faster processing.
  4. Spread on dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper or silicone dehydrating sheets.
  5. Dry at 125°F/52°C for 3-6 hours - making sure to move around a few times during the drying process to help separate shreds and evenly dry.
  6. Condition* for one week after making, and store in an air tight container  for up to one year.

*See notes below for more on conditioning

ZUCCHINI CUBES

Cubed zucchini is perfect to add to your soups stews and pasta sauces. It makes a heartier addition compared to shreds, and is more substantial.

  1. Wash your zucchinis.
  2. Peel (optional).
  3. Cut into as uniform as possible cubes, I typically cut a 1/2 medallion then chop into about 6-8 pieces.
  4. Spread on dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper or silicone dehydrating sheets.
  5. Dry at 125°F/52°C until hard, they should not feel bendy and should "ping" when hitting glass. This takes longer than shreds, usually 8-10+ hrs.
  6. Condition* for one week after making, and store in an air tight container for up to one year.

*See notes below for more on conditioning

 

CONVERTED WET TO DRY ZUCCHINI MEASUREMENTS

Shredded: 1 cup wet = 4tsp dry
Cubed: 1 cup wet = 1/4 cup dry

 

How to rehydrate your zucchini:

  • Rehydrated overnight in the fridge by placing your desired quantity in an airtight container covered in water.
  • If your on a crunch for time, you can rehydrate 30 minutes before you want to use your zucchini by placing it in a bowl with near-boiling water to steep.
  • If you are adding it to a soup or stew that is slow-cooking, no extra rehydration step is necessary since it will rehydrate and cook while simmering in the broth/liquid.
  • When rehydrating shredded zucchini for baked goods, rehydrate with either option one or two of above, then wring out any excess water just as if you would when using fresh zucchini, then add to your recipe!

 

Watch the full video covering how I dehydrate zucchini step by step here

 

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