Golden Zucchini History

Golden Zucchini (or courgette) is a summer squash which means that it is a squash that is harvested while immature and in the state while its rind is still tender and edible. Its skin is dark green, light green orange or deep yellow. Botanically Zucchini is a fruit, but it is treated as a vegetable in a culinary context and is often cooked and prepared into savory meals. It is harvested when it is about 25 cm long because it loses good taste if it is left to grow older.

Golden Zucchini Growing

Depending upon the variety, golden zucchini will be ready to harvest in 35-55 days from planting. As with other zucchini varieties, plant golden zucchini in full sun in well-draining, nutrient rich soil. Prior to planting, work a few inches of compost or other organic matter into the soil. If your soil does not drain well, consider growing golden zucchini in raised beds. Zucchini likes to start off in the area it will grow, but if you can’t wait for soil temperatures to warm to direct sow into the garden, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks prior to the last frost. Be sure to harden off the seedlings for a week before transplanting them. If you are starting outside, be sure that soil temperatures have warmed and the air is close to 70 F. (21 C.).

Resist the urge to plant too many zucchini seeds; one plant will produce 6-10 pounds (3-4.5 kg.) of fruit over the growing season. Space plants about 3 feet (just under a meter) apart to allow for space to grow, discourage disease and allow for air flow. As the seedlings grow and get their first leaf, snip off the two weakest, leaving one strong seedling per hill.

Preserving and Storing Golden Zucchini

giving the zucchini a quick dunk in boiling water — deactivates the enzymes that would otherwise cause the zucchini to become mushy and discolored. The texture after freezing still isn’t quite the same as when the zucchini was fresh, but blanching means the pieces will stay reasonably firm even after thawing. Don’t blanch for too long, though — a minute in boiling water will do the trick. More than that cooks the zucchini too much and can make it mushy after thawing, despite your best efforts.

Golden Zucchini Recipes

Zucchini Spears that are seasoned with Parmesan and herbs and baked to tender perfection, oven Roasted Zucchini is the kind of no-brainer vegetable side dish that you’ll make first from summer necessity. Then you’ll make it again because it’s simple and healthy, and miraculously everyone in your household eats it happily without complaint.

Golden Zucchini Nutrition

Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Cooked zucchini is particularly high in vitamin A, though raw zucchini contains slightly less. Zucchini boasts several antioxidants that may provide various health benefits. Zucchini is rich in water and fiber, two compounds which can promote healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation and symptoms of various gut disorders.

Zucchini’s fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. he fiber, potassium, and carotenoids in zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. Zucchini is rich in manganese, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A and C.  Nutrients which contribute to healthy vision and may lower your risk of age-related eye conditions.

Other Zucchini Varieties Worth Checking Out

 Round Zucchini

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