Vegetable, Summer Squash | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Keto Paleo

Inch Vegetable

Cucurbita pepo Allergen-Free
Inch Vegetable

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Cucurbitaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean, Italian, French
  • Seasonality Summer, Early Fall
  • Source Zucchini plant

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A versatile summer squash known for its mild flavor and tender texture, commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Slightly Sweet, Earthy
TextureTender, Moist, Crunchy (raw), Soft (cooked)
AromaFresh, Green, Subtle
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 120g (1 cup chopped)
Calories17 kcal
Total Fat0.3 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.2 g
Total Carbohydrate3.1 g
Dietary Fiber1 g
Total Sugars2.5 g
Calcium16 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Potassium261 mg

Chef’s Secret

Salt sliced zucchini before cooking to draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy dish and concentrating flavor. Pat dry before use.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cucumber

1:1

Similar water content and mild flavor, great for raw dishes, less suited for cooking.

Eggplant

1:1

Good for cooked applications, absorbs flavors well, but has a different texture.

Yellow Squash

1:1

Nearly identical in taste and texture, often interchangeable in recipes.

Green Bell Pepper

1:1

Offers crunch and a slightly bitter note, useful for adding bulk and color to cooked dishes.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, blemish-free zucchini. Store unwashed in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Flavor Pairings

Tomato Garlic Onion Herbs Cheese Lemon Olive Oil