Marie, a Spanish cook: “To prevent courgettes from spoiling quickly, don't store them in the refrigerator; it's better to keep them in the pantry.”
There are still a few days left to enjoy the last of the season's zucchini. But to preserve them, you need to adopt the right habits as soon as they arrive in the kitchen. Contrary to what you might think, the refrigerator isn't necessarily the best place to keep them in good condition. An expert explains why.
When we come home from shopping with zucchini, our first instinct is often to put them in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. After all, it seems logical to keep vegetables chilled to preserve them longer. However, this rule doesn't truly apply to all the varieties found on supermarket shelves.
According to content creator Marie Gioan, known on social media as @cjustemarie, this area of the kitchen is not the most suitable for storing courgettes.
Why is the refrigerator not the ideal place to store courgettes?
And for good reason… These vegetables “don’t like low temperatures and wilt quickly in the fridge,” explains the expert on her Instagram account. After a few days in the refrigerator, their skin can start to wrinkle and their flesh can gradually lose its firmness. Zucchini tend to lose water when stored in an environment that is too cold.
As a result, their texture can also change after just a few days in the refrigerator. And it's even worse if you put your vegetables in a plastic bag. This handy little accessory prevents proper air circulation and can cause condensation inside. This extra moisture encourages mold growth and accelerates the softening of the zucchini.
Where should you store your courgettes for better preservation?
Instead, the culinary expert recommends storing your zucchini in a cool, dry place, but not too cold. Ideally, maintain a temperature between 12 and 16°C (54 and 61°F), while avoiding sudden temperature changes. A pantry can therefore be particularly suitable, provided it is well-ventilated and protected from humidity.
You can also opt for a kitchen cupboard located away from the stovetop or any other heat source. A cool laundry room, without direct sunlight, can also work. The main goal is to find a place where the temperature remains relatively stable throughout the day. Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
