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Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname "Italian Squash," zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours.

Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy along with other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens.

Part of the summer squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a extremely excellent source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous.

Numerous of the nutrients have been shown to be valuable for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Summer squash magnesium has been shown to be valuable for decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer squash, magnesium is also useful for lowering high blood pressure. All summer squash are ideal diet foods - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and offer a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible.

How to Grow

Zucchini is probably the most effective known of the summer squashes. It is a kind of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin which is either yellow or green in colour and could be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in colour and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are usually utilized in French and Italian cooking.

Zucchini may be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants that have been began indoors. Seed directly into the ground as soon as the soil reaches temperatures of 60F/16C. for vines. Fill the holes with compost and mound slightly. Plant seeds 1in/2.5cm deep.

Zucchini is really a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes cucumbers, melons, gourds, and squash, all particularly sensitive to frost. Pick a sheltered spot, and prepare holes about 12in/30cm in diameter and 12in/30cm deep. Measuring from the centre, space the holes 36in/90cm apart for bush kinds, 6ft/1.8m apart for vines. To conserve space, squash could be trained over a sturdy trellis, in which case 2ft/60cm between plants is enough.

Zucchini grows greatest when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Standard watering is essential for summer squash. Feed the plants having a high-potassium organic liquid feed to create a greater yield. Thick mulch added after planting will preserve moisture and maintain the fruits from touching the ground where they will become soiled and be exposed to insects and diseases.

Harvesting

The flavor of zucchini is greatest when it really is less than six inches lengthy. They ought to be firm, but not hard. Zucchini are prolific producers and normal harvesting will promote continued yield throughout the growing season. Harvest by cutting the stems from the plants gently having a paring knife. As they're composed primarily of water, summer squashes dehydrate rapidly. Harvest just before cooking and maintain in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag until cooking. Dont forget that squash blossoms are delicious to eat.

Little summer squashes are used skin and all. Larger squash want their skin and seeds removed: slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds having a spoon. Wash summer squash under cool running water and then cut off both ends. You are able to then proceed to cut it into the desired size and shape for the certain recipe.

In the kitchen, zucchini can be steamed, sauteed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, and stuffed. Some suggestions include: serve raw as an appetizer with a vegetable dip or salad dressing, grate and saute with thinly sliced garlic, add to breads, muffins, cakes, stews, casseroles, soups, sprinkle grated zucchini or other summer squash on salads or sandwiches. It can be preserved by canning, freezing, and drying.

Inside the garden, some gardeners let the squashes ramble by means of the corn patch, where their sandpapery leaves deter raccoons. Excellent companion plants for zucchini are: corn, marjoram, and nasturtium. Do not grow zucchini and Irish potatoes together as they are incompatible.

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