Zucchini is a delicious and versatile summer squash that can be enjoyed in many ways. When zucchini is fresh and in-season, it has a sweet, mild flavor that pairs well with all kinds of ingredients. Knowing how to properly store, prepare, and serve fresh zucchini will help you enjoy it at its peak!
What is zucchini?
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that grows on bushy, vining plants. Botanically, zucchini is classified as a fruit since it contains seeds, but it is treated as a vegetable in the culinary world. Some key facts about zucchini:
- Zucchini is the most common variety of summer squash.
- The skin color can range from deep green to pale green or yellow.
- The flesh is pale green, firm, and moist with small edible seeds.
- The flavor is mild, sweet, and vegetal.
- Zucchini can grow quite large but ideal sizes for eating are 6-8 inches long.
- At its peak season in summer, zucchini has high water content and few calories.
Selecting fresh zucchini
When shopping for zucchini, look for ones that have:
- Shiny, taut, unblemished skin
- Firm, heavy flesh
- Smaller, slender size (around 6 inches is ideal)
- Pale green or yellow skin
- Green stem attached
Avoid zucchinis that are limp, shriveled, bruised, or have cuts or mold. Overgrown zucchinis often have large seeds and fibrous flesh. The smaller and fresher the zucchini, the better it will taste.
Storing fresh zucchini
Fresh zucchini is highly perishable. To maximize its shelf life:
- Refrigerate unwashed zucchini in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Keep for 2-3 days.
- Do not refrigerate zucchini long term as it will become pitted and water-soaked.
- Do not wash until ready to use.
- Wash just before preparation to avoid premature spoiling.
- Do not store cut zucchini as it will spoil very quickly.
With proper storage, fresh zucchini will retain its texture and flavor for a few days. But for best quality, it’s always ideal to use zucchini as soon as possible.
Preparing zucchini
Before cooking or serving fresh zucchini:
- Trim off the stem and blossom ends.
- Wash thoroughly under cool running water.
- Pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice, dice, shred, or spiralize into noodles. Leave unpeeled.
- No need to salt and drain zucchini ahead of time.
- Use immediately after prepping for a fresh, crisp texture.
The skin and seeds of zucchini are edible, so there is no need to peel or seed it. Prepping zucchini right before cooking helps retain moisture, texture, and nutrients.
Cooking methods for fresh zucchini
There are many quick, easy ways to cook fresh zucchini while preserving its color, texture, and nutrients:
Sauteing or stir-frying
Slice or dice zucchini into medium pieces. Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until just tender-crisp. Season as desired.
Roasting
Chop zucchini into 1-inch chunks. Toss on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until browned and tender.
Grilling
Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks. Brush both sides with oil and season. Grill over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
Steaming
Cut zucchini into slices or chunks. Steam in a steamer basket for 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp. Toss with herbs, oil, salt, and pepper.
Baking
Place thinly sliced rounds or cut chunks of zucchini in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until tender. Top with breadcrumbs or cheese if desired.
Serving ideas for fresh zucchini
From appetizers to sides to main dishes, here are flavorful ways to serve fresh zucchini:
Appetizers
- Sauteed zucchini rounds with warm goat cheese and mint
- Breaded zucchini fries served with creamy dipping sauce
- Zucchini ribbon salad with lemon, feta, and fresh herbs
Sides
- Sauteed zucchini with garlic, tomatoes, and basil
- Roasted zucchini with paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes
- Steamed zucchini with lemon butter sauce
Main dishes
- Grilled zucchini boats stuffed with roasted veggies, grains, and cheese
- Zucchini lasagna rolls made with fresh sheets, ricotta, and marinara
- Zucchini fritters or zucchini pancakes served with Greek yogurt
Salads
- Shaved zucchini, onion, citrus salad with chopped herbs
- Spiralized zucchini noodle salad with chopped tomatoes, olives, and feta
- Thinly sliced zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella salad
Conclusion
When handled with care, fresh zucchini retains its mild, sweet flavor and tender, crisp texture that makes it so enjoyable to eat. Storing freshly harvested zucchinis properly and using them soon after purchase allows you to experience zucchini at its best. With endless serving possibilities from appetizers to mains, experiment with quick cooking methods like sauteing, roasting, grilling, and baking to highlight zucchini’s natural qualities.