Zucchini Lesson Plan - HealthySD.gov (2024)

Fun Facts About Zucchini

  • Zucchinis contain 95% water; a small one contains about 25 calories. Substitute zucchini for a baked potato and save more than 100 calories.
  • Zucchinis were first brought to the United States in the 1920s by the Italians.
  • Courgette is what the French and the British call zucchini.
  • The flowers of the zucchini plant are edible. Fried squash blossoms are considered a delicacy.
  • Purportedly, the world’s largest zucchini measured 69 inches long and weighed 65 pounds, although there is no photographic documentation.
  • Zucchini is fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, rich in manganese and vitamin C and has more potassium than a banana.
  • One pound of zucchini equals about 4 cups grated zucchini; 2 cups of salted and squeezed zucchini; about 1 cup mashed zucchini; and 3 cups chunked zucchini.
  • Zucchini bread is one of the most popular ways to use zucchini.
  • Bigger is not necessarily better. Small to medium sized zucchinis are the most flavorful and the darker the skin, the richer the nutrients.
  • The town of Obetz, Ohio has an annual Zucchini Fest each year.

What’s Included in the Zucchini Lesson Plan

  • History
  • Tips & recipes
  • Nutritional information
  • Presenter outline & talking points
  • Sticker template
  • PowerPoint presentation
  • Student handouts

Can’t get enough fruits and veggies? Every month we feature a new fruit or veggie. Get fun facts, recipes, and more!

Zucchini Lesson Plan - HealthySD.gov (1)

South Dakotans aren’t getting enough… (especially veggies) and it’s hurting our health. The good news is that more matters and all we need to do is get 5 a day.

Zucchini Lesson Plan - HealthySD.gov (2024)

FAQs

Zucchini Lesson Plan - HealthySD.gov? ›

Zucchini is a common type of summer squash, meaning its skin is thin and edible. Zucchini squash grows in Iowa and is in season in July, August and September. Summer squash are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber. For the best flavor and texture, choose zucchini that is slender, firm and bright green.

What is a fun fact about zucchini for kids? ›

Zucchini is a common type of summer squash, meaning its skin is thin and edible. Zucchini squash grows in Iowa and is in season in July, August and September. Summer squash are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and fiber. For the best flavor and texture, choose zucchini that is slender, firm and bright green.

How many cups of shredded zucchini from one zucchini? ›

When sliced, 1 medium zucchiniyielded about 1 to 1.25 cups and if grated, you end up with about 2/3 cup of tamped down zucchini. If you need 1 cup of cooked sliced zucchini, due to shrinkage while heated it will take about 3 medium zucchini, sliced, to hit the mark.

How big can a zucchini get? ›

Left unchecked, summer zucchini can grow to sizes beyond belief. In 2014 one now-legendary zucchini grown in Ontario, Canada matured to an astonishing eight feet, three inches long.

What does zucchini look like? ›

Zucchini is generally deep green — though it can be golden yellow — while yellow squash is, well, bright yellow. Shape is another indicator. Zucchini is mainly straight, while yellow squash sports a bulbous bottom, which tapers as it gets toward the top.

What are the health benefits of zucchini for kids? ›

They are really great for kids because they are filled with water and contain fiber. The water and fiber help kids stay regular and prevent constipation. Zucchini has vitamin A, which supports eye and immune health. It also contains antioxidants, which help protect the cells in the body from damage.

Should you peel zucchini before shredding? ›

Rinse the zucchini under water and wipe dry with paper towels. No need to peel the zucchini beforehand-the skin is mild in flavor and will soften when cooked. Plus, much of zucchini's fiber content is in its skin, so you don't want to throw that away.

How long can zucchini sit on the counter? ›

How Long Can Zucchini Be Stored Before It Goes Bad? Fresh zucchini can be stored on the counter at room temperature for two to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you aren't going to get around to eating the zucchini in a week, you may also slice, blanch, and freeze zucchini for up to three months.

Does zucchini shrink when cooked? ›

Since zucchini are about 95% water, they shrink dramatically in the oven by about 25%. Also, make sure they don't have any soft brown spots. You want them to be in their prime, ripe stage that's more firm than soft.

What is a large zucchini called? ›

Giant Marrow (zucchini) continues to grow in garden..

Both zucchini and marrows are in the same family- Curcurbita Pepo. My giant marrow (zucchini) is getting bigger and more gnarly. It is now kept wrapped up tightly with row cover to protect it from the pesky squirrel.

How long can you keep large zucchini after picking? ›

Zucchini thrives in a dry environment, so pop it into the crisper drawer whole, preferably in a plastic or paper bag with one end open for ventilation. The minimal humidity will keep it from going bad. Stored properly, it'll last one or two weeks, though you'll probably see the skin shrivel as the days pass.

Can you eat zucchini every day? ›

How to Incorporate Zucchini Into Your Diet. “Non-starchy vegetables are low in calories and nutrient dense—the best combination for optimal health and maintaining a healthy weight, which is essential for optimal health, so I recommend eating them as often as possible,” says Dr. Jampolis.

What is the secret to growing zucchini? ›

Zucchini needs full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours) and consistently moist soil that is high in organic matter. Some zucchini varieties are vining types that require a trellis or a lot of room to sprawl. There are also bush types suitable for container gardening and small space gardening.

How did zucchini get its name? ›

The word zucchini is derived from Italian and means, literally, small gourds (derived from zucca - gourd). Often, the word zucchini in English is misappropriated to the point of becoming synonymous with summer squash.

What is zucchini known for? ›

Many enthusiasts prize zucchini for its limited calories and high nutrient content. While it is often thought of and used as a vegetable, zucchini is technically a fruit. As a variety of summer squash, it is harvested and eaten while immature. This sets it apart from other types of squash, as does its soft rind.

How old is zucchini? ›

Zucchini descends from squashes first domesticated in Mesoamerica over 7,000 years ago, but the zucchini itself was bred in Milan in the late 19th century.

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