I like produce. I like to grow it. I like to eat it. I like to create recipes with it. I’m also kind of a nerd and like to get to know my produce. I like learning new or fun tidbits of info about the produce I’m growing/eating/baking. If you’re a weirdo like me then buckle up for this new series as I dive into a plethora of produce facts and share them with you. Here we go:
1. Think you’ve seen a large zucchini when you’ve forgotten about them for a few days? Well the world’s largest zucchini was 69 1/2 inches long, and weighed 65 lbs. I bet they got some serious loaves of zucchini bread out of that one!
2. Even though zucchini is served as a vegetable, it’s technically a fruit because it comes from a flower. The most popular way to prepare them is fried or stuffed
3. You can eat the zucchini blossoms. The most popular way to prepare them is fried or stuffed. I’ve tried neither. Anyone?
4. A zucchini has more potassium than a banana.
5. Size does matter when it comes to zucchinis! The most flavorful zucchinis are small to medium sized.
6. Zucchini are 95% water which makes them a super low-cal snack!
7. Zucchini is used by many in place of spaghetti and even lasagna noodles because of their mild flavor!
8. The first records of zucchini growing here in the USA dates to the 1920s. {That totally surprised me. The fact that zucchini was introduced by the Italian community did not. I’m forever grateful for them though, as is probably every novice gardener in the history of ever because they are so easy to grow. 😉
9. Every August there is a huge zucchini festival in Obetz, Ohio. I might need to stop by for some ideas on what to do with all my zucchinis when they overrun my garden!
10. There is a yellow variety of zucchini that people often mistake for summer squash. It even stays yellow after cooking! Golden zucchini also has a bit of a sweeter flavor than the green variety.
Had you heard any of those fun facts before? Do you have any of your own to add? Is there a particular produce item you want to know more about? I take requests!
Grow on,
~ Mavis
Sun Dried Tomato and Zucchini Scones {They are CRAZY GOOD!}
My all time favorite: Zucchini Relish
Lisa Millar says
Zucchinis are a most satisfying veggie to grow! Always makes you feel like a champion gardener!!! 🙂
Yes, I have tried the flowers – stuffed with cream cheese and shallow fried. mmmmm
I have also grown the yellow zucchinis – love having different coloured produce.
Zucchini slice is popular over here – its a baked flat loaf – lots of grated zucchini, carrot, bacon pieces, eggs, oil, SR flour, grated cheese. And with a fresh side salad its a great summer meal!
Lots of people don’t realise they can freeze it to store – helps with the overload. I usually slice and bag it in portions. It comes back to life a bit soggy, but that doesn’t matter as its usually just going into stews or casseroles.
Ever had chocolate zucchini cake?? 🙂 Its amazing 🙂
Love your veggie fun facts!
Nancy in eastern Washington says
I have had zucchini blossoms before. We were visiting my husband’s family in Italy, of course,and his aunt made them for us. Fried zucchini blossoms. Have not been able to replicate them. They were yummy.
Kristina says
Fried zucchini blossoms are easy and delish. I also put them whole into quiches and frittatas. Very pretty.
Sandi Hozeska says
Recently enjoyed pickled zucchini at a restaurant. Was delish. Will be trying to duplicate this recipe this summer. Gonna try using the same pickling recipe I use for beets.
E in Upstate NY says
Your zucchini relish is the bomb! Don’t make another kind of relish anymore. Wonderful addition to potato salad, mac salad, tuna fish or chicken salad. Get the idea?
Sharon says
Have you read “Animal,Vegetable,Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver. Delightful-and you will love the chapter on Zucchini Season when everyone locks their car doors . . .
Melissa M. says
I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to Zucchini recipes 🙂
Rebecca in MD says
Oh that picture of baby Lucy eating a zucchini! Precious!