Zucchini

Appearance: The zucchini is a long, cylindrical vegetable. It’s often green, but you can also find yellow or striped varieties. Zucchini's skin is smooth and shiny, with pale and tender flesh inside. This vegetable may seem bland, but it's very versatile and can be used in many ways!

Texture and Taste: Zucchini has a delicate, slightly crunchy texture when raw, becoming tender when properly cooked. Its flavor is mild and slightly sweet. It absorbs the flavors of other ingredients well, making it a wonderful addition to many dishes.

Buying Tips: Choose zucchinis that are firm to the touch, with smooth, shiny skin, free of spots or cuts. Opt for medium-sized zucchinis, as larger ones can be waterier (meaning less flavor) and have more seeds. A fresh zucchini usually has a bright green stem.

How to Use It: Zucchini is easy to cook in many ways. Here are a few suggestions for adding it to your recipes:

• Raw: Slice it thinly or grate it to add a crunchy touch to your salads. They can also be marinated to bring a delicious, bold flavor to your dishes.

• Sautéed: After slicing them thin, sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a quick and tasty side dish.

• Grilled: Slice them and grill them on the barbecue or in the oven. A squeeze of lemon and a little salt are enough to enhance their flavor.

• Grated in Cakes: Use grated zucchini to add moisture to your cakes or muffins. Yes, zucchini in dessert is possible! You can check out our zucchini brownie recipe right here!

Season and Availability: In Quebec, zucchini is a summer vegetable, harvested mainly from July to September. However, thanks to greenhouses, you can find them in stores well beyond summer.

Storage:

• In the Fridge: Keep unwashed zucchinis in the vegetable drawer, where they can stay fresh for up to a week.

• Freezing: For longer storage, blanch them for a few minutes before freezing them in slices or cubes.

Extra Tip: To prevent zucchini from releasing too much water in your dishes, sprinkle it with salt after slicing and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps reduce excess water.

Nutritional Information: Zucchini is low in calories but rich in nutrients. It contains vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. It’s also a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar.