Produce Spotlight: Zucchini

It is zucchini season! Zucchini, like other summer squash, is in-season during the summer months, specifically May through September. This market-fresh vegetable can be added to a variety of recipes or enjoyed alone as a snack, making them an easy way to add more veggies to your day!

To find out what other produce is in season, click here to view our Oklahoma seasonal produce guide.

Flavor and Texture

Zucchini has a slightly sweet and watery taste, making it a refreshing snack. It has a slightly spongy texture in the middle and a crunchy peel. Because it has such a mild taste, it goes well with a wide variety of foods and is fun to experiment with!

Some good flavors to pair it with include…

• Any combination of bell peppers, eggplant, onions, or tomatoes
• Olive oil, pepper, and oregano
• Feta, lemon, and olive oil
• Basil and parmesan

Selection

Zucchini can be found at your local farmers market throughout the summer. You can also find them at your grocery store fresh or frozen. Frozen zucchini is usually combined with yellow squash, which is another summer squash that similar to zucchini.

When shopping for fresh zucchini, look for zucchini that are about 4 to 7 inches length (think around the length of a pencil or less). These will be the most flavorful and have the most tender texture. Make sure your zucchini is firm and free of nicks and cuts. Zucchini will feel heavy for its size.

Storage

Store your whole, unwashed zucchini in your refrigerator in a plastic or paper bag with one end open. Fresh zucchini can stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks this way.

If you cannot use your zucchini this quickly, it can be frozen for future use in tons of different recipes! To freeze, slice the zucchini, then blanch in boiling water for one minute, then plunge into cold water, drain, and then seal it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen zucchini will keep for up to 3 months.

After cooking, store your zucchini in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in a visible spot so that you do not forget about it!

Nutrition

Think about leaving the skin of your zucchini on instead of peeling it! The vibrant green skin of zucchini is full of nutrients. It is especially high in vitamin C (which supports the immune system) and vitamin B6. It is a good source of fiber, which helps keep your digestion regular and keeps you satisfied longer.

Try zucchini in a summer salad with cucumber, bell pepper, and ranch dip for a delicious, veggie-packed side or snack. 

Preparation

Zucchini can be prepared in a variety of ways, whether on the grill, roasted it in the oven, sautéed on the skillet, or eaten raw. Each of these methods gives the zucchini a slightly different taste and texture, with options to fit anyone’s preferences!

Our Easy Skillet Lasagna recipe is a great way to turn this summer squash into a meal! 

Find more recipes for zucchini here.

How do you like to prepare zucchini? Let us know in the comments below.