Zucchini, also called “courgette”, originated from the Americas but became extremely popular in Italy and it was there in the warm Mediterranean soil that the Zucchini we know and love was first grown.
Zucchini is commercially available in a few different styles, including yellow and green. Also available are the flowers, making it one of only a few ingredients where almost all the parts are edible; including the flesh, seeds, skin and flower.
Zucchini is low in calories, which is fantastic if you are keeping an eye on your weight, yet it still contains important nutrients to support a healthy lifestyle. High levels of vitamin C help to maintain eye health and avoid sclerosis or easy bruising. Moreover, when eaten regularly, it can help in lowering your homocysteine levels that aid in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.
Though classified as a fruit, zucchini is usually eaten as a vegetable because it is best when added to cooked dishes. For an interesting way to include more Zucchini in your diet, try our Japanese Pancake (Okonomiyaki).
