Zucchini Blossom

What Is Zucchini Blossom?

Zucchini blossom is the orange-yellow, funnel-shaped flower of the zucchini plant (Cucurbita pepo) of the gourd family. The plant bears both female and male flowers; in the kitchen, the male flowers, which do not set fruit, are generally preferred, so zucchini yield is not affected.

Notable for its thin, delicate petals, zucchini blossom has a mildly sweet and very faintly zucchini-flavored taste.

Nutritional Values of Zucchini Blossom

Zucchini blossom is a low-calorie vegetable-flower; 100 grams contains approximately 15 kcal of energy, 1 g of protein and a notable amount of vitamin C. Vitamin A precursor carotenoids are also present in its composition.

What Are the Benefits of Zucchini Blossom?

With its low calorie content, zucchini blossom offers a light vegetable-flower option as part of a balanced diet; its vitamin C content is one of its notable features.

This information is general; zucchini blossom is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Zucchini Blossom?

Fresh zucchini blossom has vivid orange-yellow color and open, unwilted petals; crushed or darkened blossoms should be avoided.

• The petals should be vivid in color, open and not torn
• The flower stem should look fresh and perky
• Blossoms picked or purchased the same day should be preferred, if possible

How to Store Zucchini Blossom?

Zucchini blossom is a very delicate product; it should be consumed within 1-2 days, wrapped in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. Prolonged storage causes the flower to wilt and soften.

Using Zucchini Blossom in the Kitchen

Zucchini blossom is most often stuffed with a rice filling and served as dolma, and also dipped in batter and fried as a meze.

How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Blossom?

The pistil inside the flower is gently removed; a filling prepared with rice, onion and spices is stuffed into the flower and cooked over low heat in olive oil.

Fried Zucchini Blossom

The blossoms are dipped in a thin batter and fried in hot oil until golden brown; they can also be prepared stuffed with cheese or herbs.

Which Recipes Use Zucchini Blossom?

Stuffed zucchini blossom with olive oil, fried zucchini blossom and cheese-stuffed zucchini blossom are the most beloved recipes for this delicate flower.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is zucchini blossom good for?

Zucchini blossom is a low-calorie vegetable-flower containing vitamin C; it can be considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to treat disease.

Which part of zucchini blossom is eaten?

The whole flower (petals and stem) is edible; the pistil or stamen inside is generally removed before stuffing.

Is zucchini blossom eaten raw?

Yes, thoroughly washed fresh zucchini blossom can also be used raw in salads as a garnish and flavor element.

What is the difference between male and female zucchini blossoms?

The female flower has a small zucchini bud at its base, while the male flower does not; the male flowers are generally preferred in the kitchen because picking them does not affect zucchini yield.

Where can zucchini blossom be found?

It can be found fresh at neighborhood markets and greengrocers in spring and summer, alongside the zucchini harvest.