Zucchini: A Power House of Nutrition
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Article by: Gwen Stewart Dating back to 7000 B. C., zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is native to Central and South America. Sometimes called by the nickname "Italian Squash," zucchini was brought to North America by its southern neighbours. Early European explorers introduced zucchini to Italy and other countries in Europe. Italians initially grew zucchini for their sweet, edible blossoms, later the hearty fruits , Grass Clippings were experimented with producing the delectable dishes that resulted in zucchini being dubbed Italian squash. Up until the 20th Century, most Americans considered zucchini a treat reserved for eating on special occasions and were store-bought instead of grown in gardens. , Planting Your Part of the summer , Mole Myths: How Can I Get Rid of the Moles Destroying My Yard? squash family, zucchini is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, folate, copper, , Hammocks - Relax in a Hammock Bed, Chair, or Swing riboflavin, niacin, and phosphorous. Many of the nutrients have been shown to be helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. , Choose the Right Outdoor Bench that Suits Both You and Your Garden Summer , Growing and Caring for Rhododendrons and Azaleas squash's magnesium has been shown to be helpful for reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Together with the potassium in summer , Planting Flower Bulbs for Springtime Blooms squash, magnesium is also helpful for reducing high blood pressure. All summer , Think Vintage for Your Garden squash are perfect diet foods , Growing and Caring for Rhododendrons and Azaleas - low in calories, sodium, fat-free, and provide a source of fiber. All parts of the zucchini are edible. How To Grow Zucchini is probably the best known of the summer , Artificial Flowers Are They A Solution? squashes. It is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either yellow or green , Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes in colour , Easy Landscaping and Curb Appeal for Florida Homes and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white , Mole Myths: How Can I Get Rid of the Moles Destroying My Yard? in colour , The Not So Common Day Lily and features , The Perfect Beginner Perennial Flower numerous seeds. , Birdbaths Its edible flowers , Water Gardens - How To Build A Pond are often used in French and Italian cooking. Zucchini can be planted by direct seeding or by transplanting young plants , Basics of Landscaping that have been started indoors. , Basics of Landscaping Seed , Watering Your Garden - How to Make Each Drop Count directly into the ground as soon as the soil , How to Clone with Success reaches temperatures , Blower Fans of 60°F/16°C. for vines. Fill the holes with compost , Poly Tarps For Home and Garden: More Than Meets The Eye and mound slightly. Plant , Mole Myths: How Can I Get Rid of the Moles Destroying My Yard? seeds 1in/2.5cm deep. Zucchini is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes cucumbers, melons, gourds, and squash, all particularly sensitive to frost. Select a sheltered spot, and prepare holes about 12in/30cm in diameter and 12in/30cm deep. Measuring from the centre, space the holes 36in/90cm apart for bush types, 6ft/1.8m apart for vines. To conserve space, squash can be trained over a sturdy trellis, in which case 2ft/60cm between plants , Starting with a Water Garden is enough. Zucchini grows , Choosing a Pond Liner EPDM liners are the optimal choice best when exposed to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Regular watering is essential for summer , The Perfect Beginner Perennial Flower squash. Feed the plants , Water Gardens - How To Build A Pond with a high-potassium organic , Planning Tips for Compact Courtyard Gardens liquid feed to produce a higher yield. Thick mulch added after planting will preserve moisture , Water Gardens - How To Build A Pond and keep the fruits , Growing Great Potatoes from touching the ground where they will become soiled and be exposed to insects and diseases. , The Perfect Beginner Perennial Flower Harvesting The flavor of zucchini is best when it is less than six inches long. They should be firm, but not hard. Zucchini are prolific producers and regular harvesting will promote continued yield throughout the growing season. , Grass Clippings Harvest by cutting the stems from the plants , Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes gently with a paring knife. As they are composed mainly of water, , For The Most Luxurious Dining Outdoors: Ready Or Not, Outdoor Kitchens Are Here! summer , Choose the Right Outdoor Bench that Suits Both You and Your Garden squashes dehydrate rapidly. Harvest just before cooking and keep in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic , The Perfect Beginner Perennial Flower bag until cooking. Don't forget that squash blossoms are delicious to eat. Small summer , Artificial Flowers Are They A Solution? squashes are used skin and all. Larger squash need their skin and seeds , Planting Your Garden removed: slice lengthwise and scoop out the seeds , Starting with a Water Garden with a spoon. Wash summer , Mole Myths: How Can I Get Rid of the Moles Destroying My Yard? squash under cool running water , Patio Heaters: A Way To A Comfortable Outdoor Gatherings and then cut off both ends. You can then proceed to cut it into the desired size and shape for the particular recipe. In the kitchen, , The World of Herbs zucchini can be steamed, sautéed, boiled, baked, fried, grilled, and stuffed. Some ideas include: serve raw as an appetiser with a vegetable , Unusual Daffodil Stories dip or salad , Growing and Caring for Rhododendrons and Azaleas dressing, grate and sauté with thinly sliced garlic, add to breads, muffins, cakes, stews, casseroles, soups, sprinkle grated zucchini or other summer , Planting Flower Bulbs for Springtime Blooms squash on salads , Lazy Fish Worries or sandwiches. It can be preserved by canning, freezing, and drying. In the garden, , Dwarf Korean Lilac some gardeners let the squashes ramble through the corn , Types Of Orchids patch, where their sandpapery leaves deter raccoons. Good companion plants , The World of Herbs for zucchini are: corn, , How To Build A Patio Cover marjoram, and nasturtium. Don't grow , The World of Herbs zucchini and Irish potatoes together as they are incompatible.Gwen Nyhus Stewart, B.S.W., M.G., H.T., is an educator, freelance writer, garden , Types Of Palm Trees consultant, and author of the book The Healing Garden: A Place , How To Build A Garden Bench Of Peace - Gardening , Ideas For Your Front Yard Landscaping Project For The Soil, , Lazy Fish Worries Gardening , Mole Myths: How Can I Get Rid of the Moles Destroying My Yard? For The Soul and booklet Non-toxic Alternatives For Everyday Cleaning And Gardening , Types Of Palm Trees Chores. She owns the website Gwen's Healing Garden , Growing Great Potatoes where you will find lots of free information , Flowers, An Annual Event about gardening , Artificial Flowers Are They A Solution? for the soil , Artificial Flowers Are They A Solution? and gardening , The Perfect Beginner Perennial Flower for the soul. To find out more about the book and subscribe to her free Newsletter visit http://www.gwenshealinggarden.ca. Gwen Nyhus Stewart © 2004 - 2006. All rights reserved. |
  
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