Zucchini is a popular type of summer squash and is grown as a summer vegetable for its tender, edible long fruits. It is the most popular, widely grown and economically important summer squash vegetable. Scientific name of zucchini is Cucurbita pepo. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Zucchini is also called as courgette. Though zucchini is believed to be originated in Europe, it is cultivated throughout the world and is available year-round. Zucchini is widely grown in North America, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa.

Food Uses and Nutrition in Zucchini: Zucchini is generally eaten after cooking. Edible portions are young, immature fruits and flowers of the plant. Fruits are consumed after steaming or boiling or grilling or baking. A list of some popular zucchini preparations is given below:

Grilled Zucchini: It is a popular delicacy around the world. Thin round slices of zucchini are grilled to make healthy and delicious vegetable delicacies.

Stuffed Zucchini and Zucchini Wraps: Stuffed zucchini fruits and zucchini wraps are much favored delicacies in many parts of the world.

Deep Fried Zucchini: Cooked zucchini flowers are a favourite dish in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Zucchini flowers are consumed either after deep frying or mixing with soups and salads. Deep fried zucchini slices are also a popular vegetable dish.

Zucchini Noodles: Another popular zucchini preparation is zucchini noodles. Thin long slices of zucchini are used to prepare zucchini noodles.

Nutrition in Zucchini: According to USDA, all these zucchini foods are healthy and nutritious. As per USDA, nutrients present in 100 grams of edible portion of raw, baby zucchini is: Water-92.73 g, Energy-21 kcal, Protein-2.71 g, Total lipid (fat)-0.4 g, Carbohydrate-3.11 g, Fiber-1.1 g, Calcium-21 mg, Iron-0.79 mg, Magnesium-33 mg, Phosphorus-93 mg, Potassium-459 mg, Sodium-3 mg, Zinc-0.83 mg, Vitamin C-34.1 mg, Thiamin-0.042 mg, Riboflavin-0.036 mg, Niacin-0.705 mg, Vitamin B6-0.142 mg, Folate-20 ug and Vitamin A-490 IU

Nutrition in Raw, Fresh Zucchini (includes skin): As per USDA, nutrients present in 100 grams of fresh zucchini is: Water-94.79 g, Energy-17 kcal, Protein-1.21 g, Total lipid (fat)-0.32 g, Carbohydrate-3.11 g, Fiber, total dietary-1 g, Sugars-2.5 g, Calcium-16 mg, Iron-0.37 mg, Magnesium-18 mg, Phosphorus-38 mg, Potassium-261 mg, Sodium-8 mg, Zinc-0.32 mg, Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid-17.9 mg, Thiamin-0.045 mg, Riboflavin-0.094 mg, Niacin-0.451 mg, Vitamin B6-0.163 mg, Folate-24 ug, Vitamin A-200 IU, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)-0.12 mg and Vitamin K (phylloquinone)-4.3 ug.

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