Zucchini
Zucchini vegetable and spent flower on plant
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Cucurbitales Family: Cucurbitaceae Genus: Cucurbita Species: C. pepo
Binomial name
Cucurbita pepo L.

Zucchini (IPA: /zu'kini/, in North American and Australian English) or courgette (IPA: /kʊə'ʒɛt/, in New Zealand and British English) is a small summer squash. Its scientific name is Cucurbita pepo (a species which also includes other squash). It can either be yellow, green or light green, and generally has a similar shape to a ridged cucumber, though a few cultivars are available that produce round or bottle-shaped fruit. Culinarily, zucchini is treated as a vegetable which means it is usually cooked and presented as a savory dish or accompaniment. However, biologically, the zucchini is an immature fruit, being the swollen ovary of the female zucchini flower. This article is about the 1982 childrens novel. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1800x1397, 1731 KB) Zuchinni or corgette fruit and spent flower on plant File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... For other uses, see Scientific classification (disambiguation). ... Divisions Green algae land plants (embryophytes) non-vascular embryophytes Hepatophyta - liverworts Anthocerophyta - hornworts Bryophyta - mosses vascular plants (tracheophytes) seedless vascular plants Lycopodiophyta - clubmosses Equisetophyta - horsetails Pteridophyta - true ferns Psilotophyta - whisk ferns Ophioglossophyta - adderstongue ferns seed plants (spermatophytes) †Pteridospermatophyta - seed ferns Pinophyta - conifers Cycadophyta - cycads Ginkgophyta - ginkgo Gnetophyta - gnetae Magnoliophyta... Classes Magnoliopsida - Dicots Liliopsida - Monocots The flowering plants or angiosperms are the most widespread group of land plants. ... Magnoliopsida is the botanical name for a class of flowering plants. ... Families Cucurbitaceae (gourd family) Begoniaceae (begonia family) Datiscaceae Tetramelaceae Corynocarpaceae Coriariaceae Anisophylleaceae The Cucurbitales are an order of flowering plants, included in the rosid group of dicotyledons. ... Genera Abobra Acanthosicyos Actinostemma Alsomitra Ampelosycios Anacaona Apatzingania Apodanthera Bambekea Benincasa Biswarea Bolbostemma Brandegea Bryonia Calycophysum Cayaponia Cephalopentandra Ceratosanthes Chalema Cionosicyos Citrullus Coccinia Cogniauxia Corallocarpus Cremastopus Ctenolepis Cucumella Cucumeropsis Cucumis Cucurbita Cucurbitella Cyclanthera Dactyliandra Dendrosicyos Dicoelospermum Dieterlea Diplocyclos Doyerea Ecballium Echinocystis Echinopepon Edgaria Elateriopsis Eureiandra Fevillea Gerrardanthus Gomphogyne Gurania Guraniopsis... Species - fingerleaf gourd - figleaf gourd, chilacayote - wild gourd, wild pumpkin - winter squash, pumpkin - pumpkin - crookneck squash - vegetable marrow, field pumpkin References: ITIS 22365 2002-11-06 Cucurbita is a genus in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... IPA may refer to: The International Phonetic Alphabet or India Pale Ale ... North American English is a collective term used for the varieties of the English language that are spoken in the United States and Canada. ... Australian English (AuE, AusE, en-AU) is the form of the English language used in Australia. ... IPA may refer to: The International Phonetic Alphabet or India Pale Ale ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Species - hubbard squash, buttercup squash - cushaw squash C. moschata- butternut squash C. pepo- most pumpkins, acorn squash, summer squash References: ITIS 223652002-11-06 Hortus Third Squashes are four species of the genus Cucurbita, also called pumpkins and marrows depending on variety or the nationality of the speaker. ... In biology, binomial nomenclature is a standard convention used for naming species. ... Species - hubbard squash, buttercup squash - cushaw squash - butternut squash - most pumpkins, acorn squash, summer squash References: ITIS 22365 2002-11-06 Hortus Third Squashes are four species of the genus Cucurbita, also called pumpkins and marrows depending on variety or the nationality of the speaker. ... Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. ... This article is about the fruit. ... For other uses, see Vegetable (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Fruit (disambiguation). ... Longitudinal section of female flower of squash showing ovary, ovules, pistil, and petals In the flowering plants, an ovary is a part of the female reproductive organ of the flower or gynoecium. ...

Flower

Flower of Zucchini

The Zucchini flower can be male or female. The female flower is a golden blossom on the end of each baby zucchini. The male flower grows directly on the stem of the Zucchini plant in the leaf axils (where leaf petiole meets stem) on a long stalk and is slightly smaller than the female. Both flowers are edible, and provide a great way to dress a meal or garnish the cooked fruit. Flower of zucchini File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Flower of zucchini File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... A petiole (also called a pedicel) is the first abdominal segment of members of the Apocrita. ... Stem showing internode and nodes plus leaf petiole and new stem rising from node. ...

Firm and fresh blossoms that are only slightly open are cooked to be eaten, with pistils removed (for female flowers) and stamens removed for male flowers. Inspect and remove any insects from inside the flowers. The stem on the flowers can be retained as a way of giving the cook something to hold onto during cooking, rather than injuring the delicate petals, and also gives a way of delivering the morsel to the mouth, or they can be removed prior to cooking, or prior to serving. There are a variety of recipes in which the flowers may be deep fried as fritters or tempura (after dipping in a light tempura batter), stuffed, sautéed, baked, or used in soups. The Pistil is the part of the flower made up of one or more carpels. ... Flower of the spider tree (Crateva religiosa) with its numerous conspicuous stamens The stamen is the male organ of a flower. ...

In Mexico, is often used for a light cream soup, "Sopa de Flor de Calabaza"; and quite popular in a variation of the traditional "Quesadilas", becoming "Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza". Also used in a variety of dishes with zucchini, "rajas", and as a side dish ornament.

History and etymology

Yellow Zucchinis.

Zucchinis, like all summer squash, has its ancestry in the Americas. But while most summer squash―including the closely related cocozelle and marrow―were introduced to Europe during the time of European colonization of the Americas, zucchini is European in origin, the result of spontaneously occurring mutations (also called "sports"). In all probability, this occurred in the very late 19th century, probably near Milan (early varieties usually included the names of nearby cities in their name). The alternate name Courgette comes from the French name of the fruit, with the same spelling. It is a diminutive of courge, meaning squash. "Zucca" is the Italian word for squash; while the feminine diminutive plural "zucchine" is preferred in most regions of Italy, the masculine diminutive plural "zucchini" is used in other areas of Italy, Australia, and the United States. The first records of zucchini in the United States date to the early 1920s. It was almost certainly brought over by Italian immigrants, and probably got its start in California. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 410 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1600 × 1200 pixel, file size: 410 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Summer Squash are a subset of squashes that are harvested when immature (while the rind is still tender and edible). ... Marrow can mean bone marrow, the interior of long bones vegetable marrow a vegetable like squash, or a large courgette or zucchini This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... For linguistic mutation, see Apophony. ... Type Anti-tank Nationality Joint France/Germany Era Cold War, modern Launch platform Individual, Vehicle Target Vehicle, Fortification History Builder MBDA, Bharat Dynamics (under license) Date of design 70s Production period since 1972 Service duration since 1972 Operators 41 countries Variants MILAN 1, MILAN 2, MILAN 2T, MILAN 3, MILAN... A diminutive is a formation of a word used to convey a slight degree of the root meaning, smallness of the object or quality named, encapsulation, intimacy, or endearment. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Largest metro area Greater Los Angeles Area  Ranked 3rd  - Total 158,302 sq mi (410,000 km²)  - Width 250 miles (400 km)  - Length 770 miles (1,240 km)  - % water 4. ...

Cooking

Two typical Zucchinis

Zucchini are usually picked, when used for food, when the seeds are soft and immature, seldom over 8in/20cm in length. Mature zucchini can be as much as three feet long, but are often fibrous and not appetizing to eat. Zucchinis with the flowers attached are a sign of a truly fresh and immature fruit, and are especially sought by many people. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2836x1984, 1913 KB) Typical example of the Courgette fruit File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Zucchini Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2836x1984, 1913 KB) Typical example of the Courgette fruit File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Zucchini Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital... A ripe red jalapeño cut open to show the seeds For other uses, see Seed (disambiguation). ...

Unlike cucumber, zucchini are usually served cooked. It can be prepared using a variety of cooking techniques, including steamed, boiled, grilled, stuffed and baked, barbecued, fried, or incorporated in other recipes such as souffles. It also can be baked into a bread. Its flowers can be eaten stuffed and is a delicacy when deep fried as tempura. This article is about the fruit. ... A soufflé is a light, fluffy baked dish made with egg yolks and beaten egg whites combined with various other ingredients and served as a main dish or sweetened as a dessert. ... For other uses, see Flower (disambiguation). ... Tempura Tempura Ice Cream Tempura (Japanese: てんぷら or 天麩羅, tenpura) refers to classic Japanese deep fried batter-dipped seafood and vegetables. ...

The zucchini has a delicate flavor and can be appreciated with little more than quick cooking with butter or olive oil, with or without fresh herbs. There is no need to remove the skin. Quick cooking of barely wet zucchini in oil or butter means it can partially boil and steam and then the juices are concentrated in the final moments of frying when the water has gone prior to serving. Variations on this are to use the zucchini as a vehicle to enjoy the flavor of a simple or well prepared sauce. Zucchinis can also be eaten raw, in a cold salad, as well as hot and barely cooked in hot salads, as in Thai or Vietnamese recipes. For other uses, see Butter (disambiguation). ... For the Popeye character, see Olive Oyl. ... For other uses, see Herb (disambiguation). ...

Zucchini fruit should not be stored long, up to three days. They are prone to chilling damage which is expressed as sunken pits in the surface of the fruit especially when brought up to room temperature after cool storage. For other uses, see Room temperature (disambiguation). ...

Two Tondo di Piacenza Zucchinis

In 2005, a poll of 2,000 people revealed the Zucchini to be the Britain's 10th favorite culinary vegetable. In Mexico, the flower (known as Flor de Calabaza) is preferred over the vegetable^{[citation needed]}, and is often cooked in soups or used as a filling for quesadillas. In El Salvador, calabaza is a common ingredient in pupusas, usually with cheese as calabaza y queso. Image File history File links TwoTondoPiaz. ... Image File history File links TwoTondoPiaz. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A huitlacoche quesadilla. ... For other uses, see Pupusa (disambiguation). ... Cheese is a solid food made from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, and other mammals. ...

In Italy, zucchini are served in a variety of ways, especially breaded and pan-fried. Some restaurants in Rome specialize in deep-frying the flowers, known as fiori di zucca.

Nutrition

The zucchini vegetable is low in calories (approximately 15 food calories per 100 g fresh zucchini) and contains useful amounts of folate (24 mcg/100 g), potassium (280 mg/100 g) and vitamin A (384 IU [115 mcg]/100 g. 1/2 cup of zucchini also contains 19% of the recommended amount of manganese. Etymology: French calorie, from Latin calor (heat), from calere (to be warm). ... BIC pen cap, about 1 gram. ... Folic acid (the anion form is called folate) is a B-complex vitamin (once called vitamin M) that is important in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing human fetus. ... In the metric system, a microgram is 1/1,000,000 of a gram, or 1/1000 of a milligram, is one of the smallest units of weight/mass commonly used. ... General Name, symbol, number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, period, block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Standard atomic weight 39. ... The milligram (symbol mg) is an SI unit of mass. ... The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ... In pharmacology, the International unit (IU, alternatively abbreviated UI, from French unité internationale) is a unit of measurement for the amount of a substance, based on measured biological activity (or effect). ... General Name, symbol, number manganese, Mn, 25 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 7, 4, d Appearance silvery metallic Standard atomic weight 54. ...

Cultivation

Zucchini are easy to cultivate in temperate climates, allowing some avant gardeners to shape them into inventive forms, such as that of the erect quadroplegic duckie, shown here.

Zucchini is one of the easiest vegetables to cultivate in temperate climates. As such, it has a reputation among home gardeners for overwhelming production, and a common type of joke among home growers revolves around creative ways of giving away unwanted zucchini to people who already have more than they can use. One good way is to harvest the flowers, which are a very expensive delicacy in markets because of the difficulty in storing and transporting them. The male flower is borne on the end of a stalk and is longer-lived. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 569 pixelsFull resolution‎ (2,784 × 1,980 pixels, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 569 pixelsFull resolution‎ (2,784 × 1,980 pixels, file size: 1. ... In geography, temperate latitudes of the globe lie between the tropics and the polar circles. ... For other uses, see Avant-garde (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Rubber duck (disambiguation). ... For the usage in virology, see temperate (virology). ... A gardener Gardening is the practice of growing flowering plants, vegetables, and fruits. ...

While easy to grow, zucchini, like all squash, requires plentiful bees for pollination. In areas of pollinator decline or high pesticide use, such as mosquito spray districts, gardeners often experience fruit abortion, where the fruit begins to grow, then dries or rots. This is due to an insufficient number of pollen grains delivered to the female flower, and can be corrected by hand pollination or by increasing bee populations. For other uses, see Western honey bee and Bee (disambiguation). ... Carpenter bee with pollen collected from Night-blooming cereus Pollination is an important step in the reproduction of seed plants: the transfer of pollen grains (male gametes) to the plant carpel, the structure that contains the ovule (female gamete). ... Pollinator decline is based on observations made at the end of the twentieth century of the reduction in abundance of pollinators in many ecosystems worldwide. ... A cropduster spreading pesticide. ... For other uses, see Mosquito (disambiguation). ...

Closely related to zucchini are Lebanese summer squash or kusa, but they often are lighter green or even white. Some seed catalogs do not even distinguish them.

References

• ITIS 22365 6 November 2002

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