Summer Squash (Zucchini)

Summer squash or zucchini (the fruits of a plant belonging to the species Cucurbita pepo, the same family with pumpkin and marrow squash) is definitely among the most useful and healthiest summer vegetables. We can find fresh zucchini in summer in our markets and grocery stores. Usually, young zucchinis resemble long cucumbers (about 6-8 inches long) in their size and shape. Sometimes zucchinis are sold with a flower as a sign of truly young and fresh vegetables. Summer squash has been cultivated for centuries past. However, zucchinis as young green juicy vegetables that we know and use, appeared in Italy in the nineteenth century. This vegetable is an essential element of traditional French, Italian, Spanish, British, as well as modern Australian, American and Mexican cuisines. Undoubtedly, summer is just the perfect time to enjoy amazing health benefits of zucchini! Read the rest of this entry »