Zucchini is a great vegetable to grow because usually it gives big harvest if successful. Zucchini. Zucchini grows pretty fast, about 35-55 days from planting to harvest.
If you ever have grown zucchini, you know that it tends to produce A LOT. This year I have only one plant but it’s been giving us many beautiful zucchinis, and then a friend of mine came over with loads of them from her garden.
We eat lots of zucchini in pasta sauce, smoothies and stews. Zucchini plants like full sun, warm soil and temperature so make sure to plant only after last chance of any frost because plant does not tolerate frost. Plant in compost rich and well-drained soil in full sun and once plant grows fruit, add lots of fertilizer. Harvest when zucchini is about 6 inches.
Zucchini is high in nutrition and contains antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin C and fibers. Cook zucchini with skin on since it’s filled with fibers. Zucchini do have some prickly hairs on them but can be easily rubbed off with a towel.
I like using zucchini is soups and stews and even in bread. I love grilling marinated zucchini and I add lots of zucchini to my tomato sauces. Zucchini bread is a great way to use zucchini. I have found that zucchini does not freeze well so I only plant as much as I know my family will eat or I can give away to friends and neighbors.
One of my kids’ favorite way to eat zucchini is as a patty and this recipe is gluten-free.
1 cup grated zucchini
1 cup cooked quinoa
100g of vegan feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh dill, minced or use 2 tsp dried
½ cup chickpea flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp Olive oil
Blend everything except the olive oil together in a food processor. Shape batter into patties. Heat oil in frying pan on medium heat. Fry patties until crispy on one side, and then flip over. Serve with a nice leafy salad, roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes. .
Smoothie—Sounds strange to put zucchini into a smoothie but it’s delicious.
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 large apple, diced
- ½ avocado
- Handful of spinach
- 1 Tbsp. fresh mint, minced
- Blend until smooth and creamy
Dill zucchini chips—I love munching on these; they are a great take-along snack.
Creamy zucchini soup—Easy and yummy way to enjoy zucchini
Baked zucchini with tomatoes—This amazing dish can be eaten vegetarian with a side of beans and pasta or rice, or as a side dish with fish or chicken.
Fermented zucchini—This is a very healthy way to preserve and eat zucchini.
Zucchini & apple bread—Yum!!!
