Zucchini is the summer vegetable par excellence, bursting with flavor when the holidays arrive. With the sun, it invites itself into our kitchens to enhance dishes with Provençal and Mediterranean flavors. When to plant it, how to eat it, how to store it? Discover everything you need to know about the zucchini season.
Summer is synonymous with colors, flavors and freshness on our plates. Among the star vegetables of this season, zucchini, alongside tomatoes (which are harvested during the summer) , occupies a special place. Easy to grow, versatile in the kitchen, it seduces with its sweetness and its ability to pair with a multitude of ingredients.
When to eat zucchini?
Zucchini is a seasonal vegetable that is best enjoyed from May to October . This is when you will find it in abundance on market stalls and in vegetable gardens. Grown locally, it guarantees optimal taste and maximum nutritional benefits. Buying zucchini in season not only supports local producers, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing out-of-season vegetables.
When and how to plant zucchini?
Zucchini cultivation begins in spring. Sowing is done in April-May, when the risk of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm up. The plants can then be planted at the end of May.
Zucchini require a sunny location and nutrient-rich soil. Flowering occurs quickly, and fruits can be harvested about 50 to 60 days after planting. For a continuous harvest, it is advisable to pick the zucchini regularly, before they become too large and lose their flavor.
How to eat zucchini from the vegetable garden?
Zucchini lends itself to a multitude of culinary preparations. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled: Sliced and seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper, then grilled until tender and lightly caramelized;
- Roasted: Cut into cubes, mixed with herbs and oil, and roasted in the oven;
- Ratatouille: mixed with other summer vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant and peppers;
- Stuffed: filled with meat, rice or vegetables and baked;
- Zucchini Flower Fritters: Zucchini flowers can be stuffed or dipped in a light batter and fried;
- Raw: grated in salad or cut into thin strips for a summer carpaccio with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil.
These preparations reveal all the flavor and versatility of vegetable garden zucchini.
How to properly store harvested zucchini?
To enjoy zucchini all year round, there are several methods of preservation available to you. Canning is a traditional and effective method for preserving zucchini. You can prepare ratatouilles, soups or marinated zucchini. To do this:
- Ratatouille in Jars: Make a classic ratatouille with zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Sterilize jars and fill with hot ratatouille. Seal tightly and pasteurize;
- Zucchini soup: cook zucchini with onions, garlic and herbs. Blend everything and put the soup in jars. Sterilize for long-term storage;
- Marinated zucchini: cut the zucchini into rounds, marinate them in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar and spices. Put the zucchini in jars and pasteurize.
Freezing
Freezing zucchini is a convenient and quick method. Here’s how to do it:
- Blanch the zucchini: Cut the zucchini into chunks or rounds. Plunge them into boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool them immediately in ice water. Drain well.
- Freezing: Arrange blanched zucchini on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to airtight freezer bags. Label with the date.
Stored this way, zucchini can be kept for up to a year . Note, however, that the texture may change slightly after thawing, but they are still perfect for soups, stews and cooked dishes.
Drying
Drying is another effective method for preserving zucchini. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the zucchini into thin slices and spread them on a rack or dehydrator;
- Let dry until crispy;
- Store in airtight jars away from light and humidity.
With these preservation methods, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of homegrown zucchini all year round.
What are the health benefits of zucchini?
Zucchini is a concentrate of health benefits. Low in calories, it is rich in fiber, vitamins (especially A and C) and minerals such as potassium. Its antioxidant properties contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the maintenance of good digestive health. Consumed regularly, it helps to hydrate the body and promote healthy intestinal transit thanks to its high water content.
Zucchini is therefore much more than just a summer vegetable. By growing it, cooking it and storing it wisely, you can enjoy its many virtues all year round. So, don’t hesitate any longer, make room for zucchini in your vegetable garden and in your kitchen!
