5 Simple Steps: How to Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles

Avid gardeners all have stories of the MANY ways they have used up their bumper crop of zucchini and, of course, one way is to dehydrate zucchini noodles!! Use these simple steps for more creative ways to use up your crop!

Have you every had a neighbor generously give you a GIANT zucchini or three? Maybe YOU are that neighbor! Zucchini is one of those crops that tends to over produce, but thankfully, it can be stored and used so many ways!

While zucchini can be frozen, that won't work for making noodles...unless you like mush!

There are lots of reasons people might want to add this to their pantry. If you are looking for low-carb or calories-saving diet solutions, taking the time to dehydrate zucchini noodles (zoodles) is a great way to meal prep.

Dehydrating zucchini provides a way to remove all that water and retain the texture that allows them to rehydrate as "noodles" later. As an added bonus, dehydrated zucchini takes up much less space than fresh makes it last so much longer!

You may also like: How to Dehydrate Orange Slices

Basic Steps to Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles

Here are the basic steps you need to prep and prepare your zucchini summer squash.

1. Choose fresh firm zucchini
2. Wash and Prep the zucchini
3. Slice, julienne or spiral into uniform "noodles" (here is the spiralizer I use)
4. Dehydrate at 135 degrees until crisp (here is the dehydrator I use)
5. Store your zucchini in jars or air tight bags (here are my favorite jars)

5 Step Process For Making Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

1. Choose Fresh Small or Medium Firm Zucchini

• small to medium size
• fresh and firm
• no soft spots or wrinkles

The ideal zucchinis are small to medium in size, as they have fewer seeds and are less watery which result in better dehydrated noodles. Your squash should be firm to the touch and very fresh. Avoid zucchini that has blemishes, soft spots, or wrinkles.

2. Wash and Prep the Zucchini

• wash careful to remove dirt and pesticides
• wash gently to avoid damage
• pat dry
• trim the ends

Before dehydrating, zucchini must be thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or pesticides. Use cold water and gently rub the surface while rinsing. A vegetable brush can be employed for a more thorough clean but do so gently to avoid damaging the zucchini's skin. After washing, pat the zucchinis dry with a clean towel & trim off the ends.

3. Make & Cut Your Zoodles

For this step of the process you need to decide what kind of noodles you are making. You have the option of spiraling your noodles, julienning or even making lasagna style!

Depending on what you make you will need one of these tools:

• a spiralizer (for spiral noodles)
• a julienne vegetable peeler
• a mandolin
• kitchen knife

Pro Tip: Slicing zucchini lengthwise prior to dehydrating creates longer, spaghetti-like noodles.

Mandolin Slicer or Spiralizer: A mandolin slicer, vegetable peeler or spiralizer is necessary to create uniform zucchini noodles. However, you can use a kitchen knife to hand cut zoodles. Noodles that are a uniform size will dehydrate more evenly.

How Do You Get Water Out of Zucchini Noodles?

• To use zucchini fresh, pat the zoodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Zucchini can be lightly salted, sit for awhile and patted down with paper towels to remove even more moisture.
• To prepare for long term storage, zucchini can be sliced and dehydrated in a dehydrator.

For zucchini with a higher water content, you can lightly salt the noodles and let them sit to draw out moisture before the dehydration process begins. If you choose to do this, pat the noodles dry again before dehydrating.

4. Dehydrate Your Zucchini Noodles

How Do You Dry Zucchini in a Food Dehydrator?

• Place small handful size mounds of noodles on mesh dehydrator trays.
• Leave space around each mound to allow for better airflow.
• Place trays in the dehydrator.
• Dehydrate at 135 degrees until crisp. This usually takes about 6 hours. You may want to dehydrate zucchini noodles overnight.
• Dry noodles until they are brittle.

Drying zucchini in a dehydrator is relatively simple. The most important thing to remember is that they zucchini must be absolutely dry when its done!!

How Do You Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles in Oven?

• Dehydrating in an oven is less than ideal because of the higher temperatures and lost heat involved. However, it is an option if you are in a pinch.
• The ideal temperature for dehydrating zucchini is between 125 and 150 degrees. Most ovens do not go below 150. My own oven has 170 as the minimum temp.
• To dehydrate in an oven, spread parchment paper on pans. Place small handful mounds on tray and place in oven.
• Prop open oven door an inch and dehydrate noodles for 4-6 hours.

Pro Tip: Dry zucchini chips or make dehydrated zucchini lasagna noodles just like zoodles.

5. Store and Use Your Dehydrated Zucchini

Dried zucchini when stored properly has a shelf life of 6-12 months.

Store Zoodles in Airtight Containers

Dehydrated zucchini should be stored in airtight containers to protect against moisture and contaminants. The containers can be glass jars, plastic food storage containers with airtight seals, or vacuum-sealed bags. It is critical to ensure that the container is completely dry before filling it with the zucchini noodles to prevent mold growth.

How to Rehydrate Zucchini Noodles

To rehydrate zucchini noodles:

• Pour boiling water over the zoodles and let them soak for 15 minutes covered with a towel.
• One they have properly plumped back up into noodles, pour off the the water use in your favorite recipe.
• They can be sauteed, covered in sauce or used plain.

How long can dehydrated zucchini be stored?

Dehydrated zucchini noodles can be stored 6 to 12 months in a dry airtight container. Ideally you will want to vacuum seal it to keep all the moisture out. Or if you keep it in a container with a lid, be sure to add desiccant packs to keep out any moisture.

What Tools Do I Need to Make & Dehydrate Zucchini Noodles?

• Food Dehydrator: The primary equipment needed is a food dehydrator. This should have adjustable temperature settings and ample tray space.
• Mandolin Slicer or Spiralizer: A mandolin slicer or spiralizer is necessary to create uniform zucchini noodles.
• Knife: A sharp chef's knife for trimming the ends of the zucchini.
• Cutting Board: A stable cutting board to slice on.
• Kitchen Towels: Absorbent kitchen towels to blot moisture from the zucchini noodles before dehydration.
• Colander: A colander to wash the zucchini and help remove excess water.
• Storage Containers: If you plan to store your zucchini, you will need a vacuum sealer or jars with lids.

Next time you or your neighbor ends up with a bumper crop of these favorite green summer squash, grab your favorite tools and plan to store up some of your summer goodness to enjoy year round!

Do you grow zucchini in your garden? What are your favorite zucchini recipes? Have you ever dried or used zucchini noodles? What are your favorite ways of preserving zucchini?