|
|
In the News - August 2009
Fight summer zucchini attacks with varied recipes
TEXARKANA, Ark. - It's a summer scenario repeated in neighborhoods across the
country: Your generous neighbor is coming up the front walk with armloads of
zucchini for the third time. Do you answer the door or pretend you're not home?
"If you have a neighbor with a garden, chances are you may have been the
victim of 'sneak zucchini on your neighbor's porch'," said Carla Haley, Miller
County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Zucchini is one of the most common vegetables grown in backyard gardens and
containers, so usually it is shared prolifically."
The good news is that zucchini is versatile, so even after the third visit
from the neighbor the family shouldn't be tired of this vegetable.
"It can be steamed, sautéed, grilled, baked, boiled, used in stir fry
recipes, or even grated and used for breads, muffins, cookies and even
brownies," she said. "They mix well with onions, tomatoes and okra in vegetable
medleys.
"Zucchini is well complemented by garlic, onions, tomatoes, dill, basil,
marjoram, chives, oregano and mint," Haley said. "But too many herbs and spices
can mask the delicate flavor, so use herbs and spices sparingly."
Even the blossoms are edible, usually served battered and fried.
Zucchini is considered a tender, sweet, immature fruit when picked at the
right time. The smaller the squash, the less likely it will be bitter or woody.
Ideally, zucchini should be harvested at 6 to 8 inches in length. If allowed to
grow to jumbo size, beware of tough inedible seeds and a less sweet flavor. At
this point, consider using it for breads, stuffing, relish or chutney.
With a high water content of more than 95 percent, zucchini squash is very
low in calories. There are only 13 calories in a half-cup of raw zucchini, and
it offers valuable antioxidants and beta-carotene. Zucchini is a good source of
vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber, making it an excellent choice for those
watching their weight.
"The peel is where many of the nutrients hide, so never peel zucchini," Haley
said.
To learn more about zucchini, contact your county extension office or visit
www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
August 28, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
Related Link
Request an Interview
|
