Zucchini

Zucchini is a type of summer squash that can grow very large if left unsupervised. In fact, the largest one on record was over 8 feet long. Fortunately, we harvest it long before it outgrows all of us because we know that small-to-medium-sized zucchini is actually the most flavorful. In addition to the squash, the blossoms of the zucchini plant are also edible and are commonly fried and served.

Zucchini is low-calorie, cholesterol-free, and high in antioxidants which are known to prevent aging. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins and is also a great source of potassium, containing even more of the mineral than a banana.

Storage Tips

Storing Fresh Zucchini:

Fresh zucchini should be stored in a plastic bag, loosely tied shut, in the crisper drawer of the fridge and used within 4-5 days.

Freezing Zucchini:

After the zucchini has been cleaned and ends trimmed, it can be sliced and frozen, peel and all in a plastic freezer bag with the air pressed out. To get longer storage out of your zucchini, blanch it first, and it will last in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Quick Prep Tips

Zucchini can be eaten with the skin as long as it’s rinsed first, or it can be peeled instead. It is delicious raw or cooked. It can be easily prepared by tossing in olive oil, salt, and pepper and lightly sautéing or grilling. Its blossoms can also be eaten.

Further Prep Tips

Zucchini Preparation:

Begin by rinsing the zucchini to remove any dirt from the skin. Do not rinse until right before eating. The skin can be left on or peeled as is your preference. The ends should be trimmed before eating.

Zucchini can be sliced into rounds, cut lengthwise and sliced into half-moons, diced, or even cut into thick matchsticks. It can be eaten raw on its own, or in salads or wraps. It can be sautéed, baked, or grilled and requires little more than a bit of oil, salt, and pepper to be extremely flavorful. It can even be julienned with a mandoline and used as a substitute for the sheets of pasta in lasagna or spiralized into noodles and used as a substitute for spaghetti or linguine in other pasta dishes. It truly is a versatile vegetable!