In the culinary context, zucchini is treated as a vegetable. Botanically, however, the zucchini is identified as the swollen fruit that stems from the female zucchini flower.

Italian squash is prolific growing fruit that can reach up to three feet long. Its glossy skin is dark green to near black. Within its thin to medium walled skin is a white spongy firm core with faint traces of seeds. Its flavor is delicate and mild with reflective undertones of its flowering host.

Nutritional Value

Italian squash offers little nutritional value as it is calorically lean and contains more than ninety percent water. It does have usable levels of potassium and vitamin A.

Serving Ideas

Zucchini squash are mild, versatile and can be prepared in sweet or savory recipes. Grate zucchini and add squash to muffin or bread batter, or combine with flour, egg and fry into patties. Halve squash lengthwise, remove some of the interior, stuff with ground meat, cheese, tomatoes and bake until stuffing is cooked. Thinly slice zucchini, layer on a large plate, drizzle with olive oil, chopped thyme and goat cheese then serve as a fresh (raw) appetizer. Slice squash thinly into rounds, layer in a baking dish with sliced tomatoes, top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs then bake until tender. Italian zucchini squash will keep well, dry and refrigerated, for one to two weeks.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Sicily, the tender leaves and shoots are sold in open markets, but very rarely, if at all, served in restaurants. The leaves and shoots are claimed to be helpful in cleansing the digestive system, either cooked with pasta in a soup or simply boiled.

Geography/History

Like all summer squashes, zucchini can trace its origins back to the Americas. There are dozens of varieties, though, that have been cultivated in Italy after zucchini’s introduction from the New World.

Seasons/Availability

Originally grown as a summer vegetable, Italian zucchini squash is suitable to forced cultivation in temperate climates and is available for harvest year round.