From Garden to Freezer to Oven: Making the Most of Your Zucchini

Adapted from summary contributed by Christine Dentremont, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator

As summer winds down and cool, crisp mornings settle in, the scent of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves makes these Zucchini Muffins a comforting treat that can carry the flavors of the season well into winter.

https://eatfresh.org/recipe/desserts-baked-goods/zucchini-muffins/

One of the best ways to make the most of your garden harvest is to freeze zucchini for later baking. After grating, simply steam blanch and cool it before packaging and storing in the freezer. For step-by-step instructions, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a helpful guide.

Zucchini is often thought of as a vegetable, but it’s technically a fruit (and a nutritious one at that). It’s a good source of fiber and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage and disease. In this recipe, walnuts bring a boost of protein and texture, raisins add natural sweetness, and applesauce is used in place of oil to keep added sugar to a minimum.

This recipe comes from EatFresh.org, an affiliate of the Maine SNAP-Ed program, which offers many more delicious, budget-friendly meal ideas. Whether you’re baking these muffins now or planning ahead with frozen zucchini, it’s a healthy and tasty way to make the most of the season’s harvest.

  • About Maine SNAP-Ed

The Maine SNAP-Ed program supports healthier communities by helping people learn to shop for and prepare nutritious meals on a limited budget. Maine SNAP-Ed is part of a national USDA initiative that aims to improve food security, increase access to healthy foods, and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits. The program offers free, evidence-based nutrition education and cooking classes to eligible Mainers in community settings like schools, food pantries, and housing communities.

Whether it’s trying a new vegetable, experimenting with a different fruit and veggie combos, or learning a new skill like using a vegetable peeler, SNAP-Ed helps make healthy eating easy and fun!

Maine SNAP-Ed works toward these key goals:

  • Improving access to nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables, by partnering with local producers and community programs like FarmDrop.

  • Helping people develop lifelong healthy eating habits, with an emphasis on simple, affordable meals that are easy to prepare.

  • Reducing the risk of chronic disease through nutrition education and lifestyle support.

These goals align with the federal SNAP-Ed mission to empower individuals and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices, ultimately contributing to stronger, healthier communities.

By highlighting local ingredients and encouraging creativity in the kitchen, programs like these support both individual health and community wellbeing. Whether you’re a beginner cook or looking for fresh inspiration, SNAP-Ed is here to help you build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating, one delicious bite at a time.

Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Shannon (shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org) or Andrea (andrea.coffin@healthyacadia.org) in Washington County, or Amy (amy.russell@healthyacadia.org) or Christine (christine.dentremont@healthyacadia.org) in Hancock County.

POSTTracey CarlsonMaine SNAP-Ed, healthy eating on a budget, healthy food for all, HFFA, meal planning, supporting selective eaters, bento boxes, healthy school lunches