How Do You Store Courgettes

You can store courgettes in the fridge, and that’s honestly the best place for them if you want them to stay fresh for more than a couple of days.
 
Courgettes, which many people also call zucchini, are tender summer squash that don’t love sitting out on the counter for too long.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to store courgettes so they stay firm and tasty instead of turning soft and wrinkly, you’re in the right place.
 
The way you store courgettes really does make a difference in how long they last and how good they taste when you finally cook them.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to store courgettes properly, whether you’re dealing with fresh ones from the garden, a farmer’s market haul, or a supermarket pack.
 
We’ll also cover the mistakes people make when they store courgettes and how to keep them crisp for as long as possible.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Do You Store Courgettes the Right Way?

How do you store courgettes so they last?
 
The short answer is to keep them cool, dry, and not too cold for too long.
 
Here’s what actually works.
 

1. Keep Courgettes in the Fridge

You can store courgettes in the fridge, and for most people, that’s the easiest and most reliable option.
 
The ideal temperature range is around 45°F to 50°F, which is a bit warmer than the very coldest part of your fridge.
 
So if your fridge has a crisper drawer, that’s a great spot to store courgettes.
 
The crisper drawer gives them a slightly more humid environment without letting them get soaking wet.
 
Just don’t wash them before you store courgettes, because extra moisture speeds up spoiling.
 

2. Don’t Wash Them Until You’re Ready to Use Them

This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when they store courgettes.
 
Washing courgettes before storing them adds surface moisture that invites mold and mushy spots.
 
Instead, leave them dry and unwashed until the moment you’re about to cook or eat them.
 
A quick rinse right before use is all you need.
 
That way, when you store courgettes, you’re not accidentally giving bacteria and fungi a free ride.
 

3. Use a Paper Towel or Perforated Bag

If you want to store courgettes like a pro, wrap them loosely in a paper towel or put them in a perforated plastic bag.
 
The paper towel absorbs extra moisture, which helps keep the skin firm.
 
A perforated bag lets a little air circulate so the courgettes don’t suffocate and get slimy.
 
Don’t seal them in an airtight container, because trapped moisture will make them go bad faster.
 

4. Keep Them Away From Ethylene-Producing Fruits

This is a big one when you store courgettes in the same fridge as other produce.
 
Fruits like apples, bananas, and peaches release ethylene gas, which can speed up ripening and spoiling in courgettes.
 
So when you store courgettes, try to keep them in a separate drawer or at least away from those gas-releasing fruits.
 
That small change can add several days to their shelf life.
 

Can You Store Courgettes at Room Temperature?

You can store courgettes at room temperature, but only for a short time.
 
If you’re planning to use them within a day or two, leaving them on the counter in a cool, dry spot is fine.
 
But if you want to store courgettes for longer than that, the fridge is the better call.
 
At room temperature, courgettes can lose moisture and start to feel soft and rubbery.
 
They can also develop soft spots or mold if the room is warm and humid.
 
So for short-term storage, room temp works, but for anything beyond a couple of days, go with the fridge.
 

1. Choose a Cool, Dark Spot

If you do store courgettes at room temperature, pick a cool, dark place like a pantry or a shaded corner of your kitchen.
 
Direct sunlight and heat will make them deteriorate fast.
 

2. Don’t Stack Them Too High

When you store courgettes on the counter, lay them in a single layer if you can.
 
Stacking them can cause bruising and trapped moisture, which leads to spoilage.
 

3. Use Them Within a Day or Two

The key with room temperature storage is to use them quickly.
 
If you store courgettes this way, plan to cook them within 48 hours for the best texture and flavor.
 

How Long Do Courgettes Last When Stored Properly?

When you store courgettes properly in the fridge, they can last about one to two weeks.
 
If they’re very fresh from the garden and you store courgettes with care, you might even push it a little closer to two weeks.
 
At room temperature, you’re looking at just a few days.
 
So if you want to store courgettes for the long haul, the fridge plus a paper towel is your best friend.
 

1. Fresh From the Garden Lasts Longer

Courgettes picked straight from the garden tend to last longer because they haven’t been through long shipping and handling.
 

2. Store-Bought Courgettes Need Quick Attention

Supermarket courgettes may already be a few days old, so store courgettes as soon as you get home for the best results.
 

3. Check for Soft Spots Regularly

Every few days, check the courgettes you store and remove any that are getting soft or moldy.
 
One bad courgette can spoil the whole batch.
 

Can You Freeze Courgettes?

You can freeze courgettes, but the texture changes quite a bit.
 
Freezing works best if you plan to use them in soups, stews, or baked dishes rather than eating them raw.
 
To freeze courgettes, slice or grate them, blanch them briefly, then freeze in airtight bags.
 
This is a great way to store courgettes when you have more than you can eat fresh.
 

So, How Do You Store Courgettes?

You store courgettes by keeping them cool, dry, and unwashed in the fridge, ideally in a crisper drawer with a paper towel or perforated bag.
 
If you only need them for a day or two, room temperature is fine, but for longer storage, the fridge is the way to go.
 
Avoid washing them early, keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits, and check them regularly for soft spots.
 
When you store courgettes this way, they’ll stay firm and flavorful for up to two weeks.
 
And if you have a glut, freezing is a solid backup plan for cooking later.
 
Now you know exactly how to store courgettes so they don’t go to waste.