Zucchini: The Best Ways to Pick It, Cook It, and Eat It

Which vegetable is the ultimate sign of summer? Corn, tomatoes… or zucchini? That bouncing green vegetable, piled up at markets and creeping over your neighbor’s fence could really be the most iconic sign of summer’s hot, lush abundance. I mean, once zucchini starts it takes the first frost to stop it. It’s the plant that keeps on giving, and giving, and giving… and we’re not mad about it. If you’re super into zucchini this summer, or have a generous neighbor with a runaway garden, this is for you. Here’s how to pick, chop, zoodle, and eat your way to zucchini bliss this summer.

Five top clicks for the courgette-obsessed.

1. The top zucchini recipe on Pinterest.
2. Meghan Markle’s 3-ingredient zucchini pasta sauce. (Yes, we tried it!)
3. What to do with a really massive zucchini.
4. The absolute cutest way to eat zucchini for breakfast.
5. The 5 recipes that made me love zucchini at last.

In 100g of sliced zucchini (about 3/4 cup) there are 17 calories and 29% of your Vitamin C. Zucchini is primarily water (95%) and is relatively low in carbs with about 2.1g of net carbs in 100g of zucchini.

Zucchini and cucumber are two vegetables that are closely related botanically, and they look and sometimes taste similar. They both are about 95% water, and have similar nutritional values. However, cucumbers are crisper and sweeter in their taste, with a watery texture that is more refreshing. Zucchini usually has a more bitter flavor when uncooked and a drier texture with a thicker skin. Either can be eaten raw, but we usually prefer zucchini cooked or spiralized.

While it’s fun to talk about monster zucchini (and to watch them grow in the garden) the best zucchini are small. Pick or choose them small (about 6 inches or under) and grill them or roast them. As zucchini get larger they get more bitter and tough. Eat ’em young!

Zucchini are thin-skinned and perishable. They are fine on the countertop at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage stash them in the refrigerator. Make sure they are perfectly dry so they don’t rot. Stored in the fridge, they will last up to 10 days.

Yes, zucchini is a good garden treat for your pup, according to the American Kennel Club. Unseasoned zucchini is a good snack in moderation. As always, if you have questions about feeding human food to your dog, talk to your veterinarian.

Yes! Zucchini is just fine raw, although larger specimens may taste a little bitter. In fact, people really love raw zoodles, or raw zucchini noodles. Learn how to make them here:

• How To Make Zucchini Noodles: 4 Ways

In terms of cooking zucchini, they are great cut on the bias and sautéed until tender, or lightly roasted with olive oil at 400F until browned. You can also grill zucchini, which is a wonderful way to enjoy them. Here are more basic tips and recipes for cooking zucchini:

• Zucchini with Yogurt-Dill Sauce
• Zucchini Noodles with Tomatoes and Corn
• Baked Zucchini Fries

Plus, grilling instructions…

• The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Vegetables
• The Ultimate Grilled Zucchini Salad
• Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups with Ricotta and Herbs

Zucchini is a great vegetable to freeze. First quickly blanch the vegetables to prevent them from getting mushy in the freezer, then plunge in ice water and freeze quickly in a single layer. Then transfer to bags and freeze for up to a few months. 

• Read more and see pictures: How To Freeze Zucchini

If you have leftover zucchini, freeze it as seen above, and save for use later in soups or stews, or in zucchini bread.

Plus, recipes to inspire you…

• 12 Ways to Use Up All That Zucchini & Summer Squash
• 25+ Things to Do with Zucchini & Squash

Twenty recipes to actually make a dent in all that zucchini this summer. Start with zucchini bread, and move on to this amazing zucchini butter.

1. Ina Garten’s Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
2. Zucchini Garlic Soup
3. Super Easy and Delicious Zucchini Butter
4. Garlic-Marinated Zucchini
5. Creamy Zucchini Fettuccine
6. Michael Natkin’s Spicy Stir-Fried Zucchini
7. The Ultimate Grilled Zucchini Salad
8. Spicy Ground Pork & Zucchini Stir-Fry
9. One-Pot 30-Minute Zoodles and Meatballs
10. Giant Zucchini Stuffed with Sausage, Mushrooms & Sage

1. Best Zucchini Breakfast Casserole
2. Grilled Zucchini Boats with Beef & Cheddar
3. Corn and Zucchini Salad with Chives
4. Chilled Zucchini Noodle Salad
5. Eight-Ball Zucchini With Eggs Baked Inside
6. How To Make Easy Zucchini Bread
7. Baked Zucchini Fries
8. Ina Garten’s Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
9. Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
10. Sautéed Zucchini with Chorizo & Lime

What’s your favorite recipe or use for zucchini? Any favorite way to cook it?

31 Days of Vegetables: How to fall in love with vegetables in 31 days. How many of these splendid veg have you eaten this month? Take a look at the whole list and take our July challenge to eat every single one!