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The Zucchini squash has a uniformly cylindrical shape with little to no taper from its stem to blossom end. It can be harvested when it is at its baby stage or when more mature at up to six to eight inches long. Many growers and chefs note that Zucchini will be at its peak flavor and texture when five to six inches in length. The exterior glossy skin of the Zucchini is vibrant to dark green in color and delicate enough to consume. Summer squash such as Zucchini are harvested when immature for best flavor, as a result their skin is delicate and prone to easily bruising and scratching. Its flesh is creamy white in color with a spongy yet firm texture and faint traces of edible seeds. It offers a sweet summer squash flavor with nuances of black peppercorn and nutty undertones. In addition to the fruit of the Zucchini plant the flower blossoms of Zucchini are also edible and offer a mild, squash like flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Originally grown as a summer vegetable, Zucchini squash is suitable to forced cultivation in temperate climates and is available for harvest year-round.
Current Facts
Zucchini is a classic summer squash and botanically a member of Cucurbita pepo. Today it is easily the most popularly grown and consumed of all summer squashes. There are numerous Zucchini varieties on the market today with independent names and characteristics. Zucchini can also be harvested at varying stages of maturity, when petite and at its baby stage of growth or when slightly more mature and medium sized. Fully mature Zucchini that are large with hardened skin have not developed much of a place in the commercial marketplace as their flavor and texture at this stage are not preferable for culinary applications. In the culinary context, Zucchini is treated as a vegetable. Botanically, however, the Zucchini is identified as the swollen fruit that stems from the female Zucchini flower.
Nutritional Value
Zucchini squash are a low caloric food and are nearly 94% water. Additionally they offer some vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.
Applications
Zucchini squash are mild in flavor, extremely versatile and can be prepared in sweet or savory recipes. Grate Zucchini and add squash to muffin or bread batter, or use to make vegetable pancakes and fritters. Thinly sliced Zucchini works well in salads or as part of a fresh (raw) appetizer such as vegetarian carpaccio. When sliced thinly lengthwise Zucchini squash can be an excellent substitute for conventional noodles in pasta preparations. Sliced Zucchini squash can be grilled, steamed, sautéed or battered and fried. Larger more mature squashes are perfectly sized for hollowing and baking when stuffed with meats, cheeses and grains. The Zucchini blossoms additionally can be stuffed with soft cheeses and herbs then battered and fried. The flavor and texture of Zucchini will complement a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, corn, eggplant, fresh herbs such as parsley, basil and oregano, olive oil, pine nuts, eggs, citrus juice, sausage, roasted chicken and cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan. Zucchini squash will keep best when kept dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Zucchini squash may owe its parentage to Italy but its commercial success was one achieved in the United States, specifically Southern California’s Los Angeles where it was featured on the menu of the famous 1920’s restaurant Café Marcell and also made several appearances in food features of the Los Angeles Times.
Geography/History
While many summer squashes can trace their origins back to the early Americas Zucchini squash is believed to be native to Milan, Italy. Renowned squash historian Harry S. Paris notes the squash is a Milanese variety listed in an Italian seed pamphlet from 1901 for a squash named zucca quarantine vera nana. Zucchini would make its way to the United States via Italian immigrants around the time of World War I. Mention of the Zucchini can be found in American seed catalogs such as Los Angeles Germain Seed and Plant Co. where it was first listed as ”Italian squash” in 1918 then renamed in 1919 as Zucchini. The Zucchini caught on so quickly as a favorite squash of American growers and chefs that by 1920 the same catalog devoted a whole page to the now sought after Zucchini squash. Like many summer squash types when grown in mild to warm climates with ample sun exposure the Zucchini will be a highly prolific fruiter. So prolific in fact that August 8th is known as national sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor’s porch day, a nod to the overabundance of Zucchini many growers experience in the summer months.
SPECIALTY PRODUCE
1929 Hancock St San Diego 92110
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(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Zucchini squash can be grilled, steamed, sautéed or battered and fried. Available at SPECIALTY PRODUCE.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Green Zucchini Squash from JR Organics
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Green Zucchini Squash from Wong Farms
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