Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a type of summer squash with many culinary uses.
Ordinary zucchini fruit are any shade of green, though the golden zucchini is a deep yellow or orange. At maturity, they can grow to nearly 1 metre (3 feet) in length, but they are normally harvested at about 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
In botany, the zucchini's fruit is a pepo, a berry (the swollen ovary of the zucchini flower) with a hardened epicarp. In cookery, it is a vegetable, usually cooked and eaten as a savory dish or accompaniment.
Zucchini occasionally contain toxic cucurbitacins, making them extremely bitter, and causing severe gastero-enteric upsets. Causes include stressed growing conditions, and cross pollination with ornamental squashes.
Zucchini has been linked to many health benefits, such as improved digestion, weight loss, healthy blood sugar levels, healthy vision, and improved heart health.Here are some ways that eating zucchini may improve your health:
1.Packed with nutrients. Zucchini provides vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols. These compounds act as antioxidants, which protect your cells against free radical damage.
2.Promotes healthy digestion. Water and both the soluble and insoluble fiber in zucchini can help lower your risk of constipation. Soluble fiber also acts as a source of nourishment for your friendly gut bacteria.
3.May promote weight loss. Zucchini is high in water and fiber yet low in calories. These properties may curb your appetite and aid weight loss.
4.Promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Zucchini is low in carbs and a good source of fiber. Diets high in fiber from fruits and vegetables may help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
5.May improve heart health. Zucchini is a good source of soluble fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which may reduce heart disease risk factors.
6.May promote healthy vision. Zucchini offers beta-carotene and vitamin C, which promote healthy vision. They also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may reduce the risk of age-related eye disorders.
Much like most vegetables you consume, the healthiest way to eat zucchini is raw. However, it can be bitter and not very tasty. So you can lightly cook it and then gently season it or add it to salads, soups, or tacos.
Here is a recipe for Grilled Zucchini.
INGREDIENTS
2 medium zucchini, sliced into thick strips
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 basil leaves, torn into medium pieces
DIRECTIONS
1.Preheat grill on medium-high. In a large bowl, toss zucchini with oil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
2.Once grill is hot, carefully use tongs to rub an oiled paper towel over grates.
3.Using tongs, place zucchini on grill. Cover and cook, 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking on high, covered, 2 to 3 minutes more.
4.When zucchini is tender, remove from heat and garnish with basil and more red pepper flakes.
Zucchini tends to get a little mushy as it sits. If you're preparing a big meal on the grill, save the zucchini for last. (Perhaps while your grilled steak is resting.) As soon as it's off the grill, season and serve!
