Vegetable
Zucchini
A tender, water-rich summer squash that is light, hydrating, and easy to fit into almost any meal.
🌱 What it is
Zucchini is a tender summer squash with soft edible skin and mild-tasting flesh, harvested young before its seeds harden.
✨ How it may help
- may help support hydration with its high water content
- may help support digestion with gentle fiber
- may help support healthy skin with vitamin C and antioxidants
- may help support steady blood sugar as a low-calorie food
🥄 How to use it
Sauté, roast, or spiralize into noodles; it cooks quickly and takes on the flavors around it.
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 cup sliced, cooked (180g) · about 27 calories
- Vitamin C 9.2mg
- Potassium 456mg
- Fiber 1.3g
- Vitamin A 245 IU
- Manganese 0.2mg
Source: USDA FoodData Central
⚖️ Caution
Occasionally a zucchini tastes very bitter, which signals natural compounds called cucurbitacins — discard any that is markedly bitter. Its high water content means it can turn watery if overcooked, so cook briefly over higher heat, and the skin is fine to enjoy for extra fiber after washing well.
🍃 A note from nature
Zucchini grows fast and generously through the summer, a small everyday picture of abundance freely given.