20 Zesty, and Some Zany, Zucchini Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with all my zucchinis? ›

But as it grows ever more gargantuan on the vine, a zucchini takes on some less-than-spectacular qualities: Oversized zucchini tend to have mushier centers, larger seeds, and tougher skin, all of which make them generally less pleasant to eat. Large zucchinis also have higher water content, and a somewhat bitter taste.

Steam, roast, sauté or bake the zucchini until it is soft enough to smush between 2 fingers but still firm to grasp. Offer the baby to eat by hand.

We recommend preserving summer squash or zucchini by pickling or freezing. Summer squash is good for you. It is low in calories and many varieties provide vitamin C, potassium and, if the skin is eaten, beta carotene. Preserve summer squash by freezing, pickle them for canning or dry them.

Do Store Fresh Zucchini in the Fridge. If properly stored, zucchini will last up to a week. The best way to store zucchini is in the refrigerator, preferably in the crisper drawer where humidity is kept to a minimum.

We're sometimes asked, "Can you freeze zucchini whole?" You certainly can, but it will be much more challenging to thaw and use later. (Imagine trying to shred a soggy, whole, thawed squash.) So, instead, we recommend tackling the shape in advance so you can quickly use the frozen zucchini when you're ready.

What to Make with Giant Zucchini. Giant zucchinis can sometimes be bitter if raw, so they're best eaten cooked. They would be excellent in baked goods, like cake, bread, or brownies. You'll have plenty of zucchini, so double the recipe and freeze half for later or give some to a friend.

Can you still eat a huge zucchini? When zucchini becomes overgrown, it is called a marrow. These large squashes are excellent in a variety of recipes-especially muffins, bread, and cakes due to the structure of the fruit. You can also use the huge zucchini as a stuffed squash.

If you see mold, black spots, browning, yellowing, shriveling, or wrinkling on the skin of your zucchini, it has likely gone bad. A soft, mushy, or slimy texture also indicates spoilage.

Whole zucchini in the fridge can last up to a week and cut zucchini in the freezer can last up to three months.

What is baby zucchini? ›

These baby zucchinis come from France, where they are also called courgettes. This is a summer squash, and is not a fully mature zucchini. It has a deep green skin, and a high-water content. Its flesh is nicely crisp but still soft, with a complex flavor that has peppery notes and grassy undertones.

Gas and bloating

Zucchini is rich in fiber that your gut doesn't digest. When your body doesn't fully break the fiber down, gas can build up and cause bloating and make you pass wind.

Yes, you can freeze zucchini without blanching it first. However, if you blanch it first, it will help deactivate the enzymes that can make it more mushy and discolored. The thawed zucchini may be less than ideal.

Slices or cubes of cooked summer squash will get quite soft and pack tightly into the jars. The amount of squash filled into a jar will affect the heating pattern in that jar. Michigan State University Extension recommends that to preserve zucchini (and all summer squash) you should freeze it.

(If you leave it in a little longer, that's fine, too.) For the best flavor, transfer the frozen zucchini to an airtight bag or container. Because the pieces are individually frozen, they will be easy to measure for smoothies, soups, and more. Frozen zucchini will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To store zucchini in the fridge, keep the squash whole, dry and unwashed. Store them in a plastic or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation, and pop them in the refrigerator crisper drawer. They'll keep there for 1 to 2 weeks, though you'll probably see the skin start to shrivel over time.

Zucchini squash is easy to grow but its large leaves can quickly take up space in the garden and prevent fruits from receiving adequate sunlight. Although it's not required, pruning zucchini can help alleviate any overcrowding or shading issues. In addition, pruning can help stimulate additional zucchini growth.

How to Dispose of Your Zucchini Plants at the End of the Season. You'll be pulling up a great deal of foliage at the end of the gardening season. The best thing you can do is toss the remains in the compost bin, provided they show no signs of fungal damage.