Things You’ll Need
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Zucchini
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Cold running water
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Paper towels
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Knife
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Cutting board
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Box grater
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Bowl
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Freezer bag or plastic storageware with lids
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Food processor with grating disk
Zucchini, a kind of summer squash with dark green skin, is often grated for use in sauces, meatloaves or other recipes. You can grate summer squash to freeze and use later or for immediate use. The best method for grating zucchini depends on what kitchen equipment you have available and the amount of squash you are grating. A cheese grater is preferable for a small amount of zucchini since it is easy to clean. If you have a large amount of zucchini to grate, it is easier to use a food processor fitted with a grating disk.
Grating By Hand
Step 1
Wash the zucchini under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Place the zucchini on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the stem end off each zucchini squash.
Step 3
Set the box grater in a large bowl.
Step 4
Hold the cut side of the zucchini against the side of the box grater with the largest holes. Using gentle pressure, rub the zucchini up and down against the grates.
Step 5
Allow the grated zucchini to fall into the bowl. If necessary, remove grated zucchini to another bowl to make room for more zucchini.
Grating in a Food Processor
Step 1
Wash the zucchini under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Place the zucchini on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the stem end off each zucchini squash.
Step 3
Assemble and plug in your food processor. Insert the shredding disk or plate with the largest grating holes in the food processor.
Step 4
Turn the food processor on. Insert zucchini squash one by one into the food processor's feed tube, using the feed tube pusher if necessary.
Step 5
Turn the food processor off when full or when you have grated all your zucchini.
Tip
Grating zucchini with the skin on preserves its crunch when frozen. You may also want to steam or blanch grated zucchini before freezing. Grated zucchini can be added to quick breads, egg dishes, lasagna and many other recipes.