It looks like a cucumber but it's a squash: the zucchini! In summer, it's hard to avoid. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or even in cake – this green vegetable is a true chameleon.
We'll tell you why zucchini is ideal for that "bikini body" and how you can transform it into completely new dishes with your kitchen appliances (keyword: zucchini brownies!).
What you should know about zucchini
Zucchini is a child of summer. Its season starts in June and lasts until September. Since it thrives wonderfully in this country, it's usually available regionally – which is good for the environment and your wallet.
Its great advantage: it has an extremely mild taste. This makes it the perfect "carrier substance" for sauces, spices, and marinades, as it absorbs flavors wonderfully.
Nutrients & Effects
When it comes to calories, zucchini is hard to beat. With a sensational 17 kcal per 100 g, it's a real lightweight. Fat is almost non-existent at 0.3 g.
What's inside:
- Slimming aid: Despite the few calories, it's considered filling (thanks to its high water content).
- Alkaline: It has an alkaline effect in the body and helps you neutralize acids.
- Eye protection: It's rich in Vitamin A, which is important for your eyesight and skin.
A small damper (and a warning)
There are two points on your con list:
- Not very nutritious: Zucchini is not very nutritious in terms of high energy density. It's more of a light snack than a power food – but that's exactly what we often want when losing weight!
- Beware of bitterness: If a raw zucchini tastes bitter, spit it out immediately! This indicates toxic bitter compounds (cucurbitacins), which can cause stomach problems. This is rare with supermarket produce but more common with homegrown plants.
Preparation with your kitchen appliances
Zucchini is soft and incredibly easy to process:
- Slow Juicer / Juicer: An absolute plus: Zucchini is easy to juice. Since it contains so much liquid and tastes mild, it's the perfect base for green juices. It extends intense ingredients like spinach or ginger without dominating the flavor.
- Air Fryer: Zucchini fries are a hit! Cut the zucchini into sticks, coat them in a little egg and breadcrumbs (or Parmesan), and off to the air fryer. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – and much healthier than classic fries.
- Food Processor: Fancy zucchini fritters? The food processor shreds zucchini in seconds. Simply mix with egg, flour, and spices and fry in a pan. Also perfect for "invisibly" sneaking zucchini into Bolognese sauces for children.
- Bread Maker: Sounds crazy, but tastes brilliant: "Zucchini bread" (sweet or savory). Since zucchini contains a lot of water, it makes cakes or bread in the bread maker incredibly moist without tasting like vegetables.
- Blender: It's ideal for green smoothies because it gives a creamy consistency without the typical "earthy" taste of kale or spinach.
Shopping & Storage
Small zucchinis are often more tender and aromatic than the huge "clubs" from the garden. The skin should be smooth and shiny. Storage: Zucchini likes it cool, but not freezing cold (similar to tomatoes). They will keep for about a week in the vegetable drawer. Caution: Do not store next to apples, otherwise they will quickly soften.
Conclusion
Zucchini is the uncomplicated everyday hero. It's regional, extremely low in calories (only 17 kcal!), and alkaline. While it's not very nutritious compared to an avocado, it's the perfect satiating food for your diet. Be sure to try it juiced (easy to juice!) or as moist zucchini bread from the bread maker.
