Zucchini
Zucchini is a dark or light green summer squash. Zucchini can grow to be very large but are picked before they reach that point. Zucchini grow on a sprawling vine and have an edible flower as well.
Zucchini can be eaten both raw and cooked, skin on or skin off. The flower of the zucchini can be eaten as well. Zucchini is most often used cooked. You can steam, boil, grill, stuff, bake, fry and many more methods to use these very versatile vegetables.
There are 10 varieties of zucchini. Most commonly you will find the solid green zucchini but there are also striped, and even golden yellow zucchini. You may be tempted by the largest zucchini, but they are sweetest and most tender when they are small.
Store your zucchini in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week. Zucchini need air as to not create moisture in the bag and become slimy, so be sure the bag is only loosely tied.
Zucchini and summer squash can be cut into “noodles” with a veggie peeler (those of you with spiralizers-here’s a great opportunity!)
Save your ends and seed-filled middles in the fridge. When you have enough, try a variation of scrappy pickles, such as this one by Rachel Ray!
Another recipe from the road. Though the ingredients are all flexible in this recipe (just the way we like them so you can work with your seasonal veggies) Sarah’s chili lime seasoning is a great one for whatever veggies and meats you choose to include. As always, work with the season and have fun making it your own!
Add some slow cooker pulled chicken to a quick sauté of summer veggies, and you’ve got yourself a portable summer treat!
Fellow Springdellian Jeffrey shared a link to a recipe from The Viet Vegan blog for Zucchini Beet Noodles with Avocado Cilantro Lime. Thanks for turning us on to this one, Jeffrey!
