How to Freeze Chunks of Butternut Squash

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Butternut squash is a seasonal vegetable available only three months of the year, from September to November. Freezing butternut squash chunks allows you to enjoy the tasty vegetable year-round. While typical methods of freezing butternut squash usually involve cooking and mashing it, freezing it in chunks gives you the option of using it in your favorite recipe straight from the freezer. Cook frozen butternut squash chunks by adding them directly to boiling water, stews or casseroles without having to thaw the vegetable first.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Clean your butternut squash with a vegetable scrubber and cold running water.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Cut off the stem of the butternut squash and slice it in half.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Scoop out the stringy fibers and seeds with a spoon.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Peel the skin off with a Y-shaped vegetable peeler. Scrape the skin in a direction away from your body.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Cut the butternut squash into chunks.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Place the chunks into a large pot of boiling water. Boil for three minutes to blanch. The Colorado State University states that blanching is a quick-boiling technique that slows the enzymatic action of fruit and vegetables to help preserve the flavor, nutrients and texture while freezing.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Drain the butternut squash through a colander.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Place the colander in a large pan of cold, ice water to cool the butternut squash.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Place the chunks of butternut squash into plastic freezer containers or bags. Seal tightly.

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Mark the container or bag with the date and "butternut squash."

...
Scott Miller/Demand Media

Keep your butternut squash in a freezer set to 0 degrees F for up to one year.