Zucchini is a green, tender summer squash that is versatile in cooking. It is mild in flavor, low in calories, and commonly used in stir-fries, baking, grilling, and soups.
🥒 Key Facts
- Also called courgette in some regions
- Can be eaten raw or cooked
- High water content (~95%) → hydrating and low-calorie
- Available in green or yellow varieties
💪 Nutritional Benefits (per 100g)
- Calories: ~17
- Carbs: 3.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin
🍽️ Ways to Eat
- Sautéed or stir-fried with garlic, herbs, and spices
- Grilled or roasted as a side dish
- Baked into bread, muffins, or casseroles
- Added to soups, stews, or pasta dishes
- Spiralized into zoodles as a low-carb pasta alternative
⚠️ Tips
- Pick firm, medium-sized zucchini; avoid overly large ones (may be bitter)
- Store in the refrigerator and use within a week
- Avoid overcooking to keep texture and nutrients
🧠 Fun Fact
Although treated as a vegetable in cooking, zucchini is botanically a fruit, specifically a type of berry called a pepo.
I can also provide a simple spicy Pakistani-style zucchini stir-fry recipe if you want.
