By: April Graff, MS, RD, LD. Hy-Vee Dietitian
Do you have zucchini coming out of your ears? Has a friendly neighbor dropped a few extra zucchinis on your door step? Zucchini has a mellow, grassy flavor and buttery texture and is a perfect addition to many meals or snacks. Zucchini squash grow very quickly. If you are not careful, a tiny zucchini one day can turn into a monster squash a few days later. Check the plant daily so you can pick them at the perfect time.
Most zucchinis should be a rich, dark green color when they are picked. Other varieties will be white or yellow. Pick your zucchinis regularly, every day, or every other day in warm weather. This will stimulate new flowers and you will have a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Sometimes a zucchini will hide and you won’t find it until it is a behemoth. Don’t worry! Large, overripe zucchinis are still edible, just scoop out the seeds and make into zucchini boats.
Whole zucchini can be kept in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks. Place in the crisper drawer or inside a perforated plastic bag. Before cooking, rinse zucchini with water to remove any dirt and trim the ends.
Family-favorite ways to use zucchini include: baked parmesan zucchini fries, Mediterranean zucchini boats, stir fry, sautéed zucchini, zucchini fritters, zucchini bread, and zucchini pasta.
Not only is zucchini versatile, it is full of nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals
- Folate is an essential B vitaminnecessary for producing red and white blood cells in bone marrow, producing DNA and RNA, and transforming carbohydrates into energy our bodies need.
- Potassium is one of the seven essential macrominerals. Potassium plays a role in our kidney, heart and muscle function, and the transmission of messages through the nervous system.
- Vitamin A is a vitamin that the body needs for growth and development. It is also vital for cell recognition, vision, immune function and reproduction. And it helps the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs function correctly.
Try these fan-favorite zucchini recipes:
Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups | Hy-Vee
Parmesan-Garlic Zucchini Fries with Harissa Aioli | Hy-Vee
Tricolor Fusilli Pancetta with Zucchini | Hy-Vee
Honey Garlic Salmon with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Zucchini | Hy-Vee
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