Zucchini

Zucchini is a type of summer squash. It is usually dark green, but can also be light green, yellow, multi-colored, or even striped. Small to medium sized zucchinis are the most flavorful and the darker the skin, the richer the nutrients.

How to select zucchini

Choose firm, slender zucchini with a bright green color and free of wrinkled skin and soft spots. As zucchini get longer and bigger around, they become tougher and develops more seeds. These larger zucchini can be shredded and used in zucchini bread.

How to store zucchini

Store fresh picked or purchased zucchini in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for best quality. Be sure the zucchini is dry and unwashed when you put it in the bag as moisture will encourage mold and spoilage. You can also store unwashed zucchini in perforated plastic bags (marketed as “fresh produce” bags) in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. For best quality, use zucchini within 3 to 4 days. Wash zucchini just before preparation.  Zucchini makes a quick addition to meals as it doesn’t have to be peeled!

Peak season

Ways to use zucchini

• Grate zucchini and use in a zucchini bread recipe
• Top sliced zucchini with tomatoes and cheese for a refreshing snack
• Sauté and mix with whole grain pasta, brown rice or quinoa
• Stuff a quesadilla with zucchini
• Make a “boat” by cutting it in half lengthwise, scooping out the inside, and filling with rice and lean ground beef. Bake in the oven.

Zucchini Facts

• The flowers of the zucchini plant are edible
• Fried squash blossoms are a delicacy in some areas
• The biggest zucchini on record weighed 65 pounds!