Green Zucchini from France

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Green zucchini from France presents an exquisite balance of flavors and textures. Its flesh offers a mild, slightly sweet taste, which becomes more pronounced with cooking methods like roasting and grilling. The skin, firm and slightly crunchy, adds a grassy, earthy flavor, especially noticeable in raw or lightly cooked preparations. When roasted, the natural sugars caramelize, enhancing its nutty undertones and enriching the overall flavor profile. The inner flesh becomes tender and creamy when cooked, making it ideal for soups and purees. Unique in its category, this zucchini is particularly noted for its versatility, seamlessly adapting to both savory and sweet dishes. The blossoms, mild with a squash-like flavor, are a delicacy, perfect for stuffing or frying, adding another layer of culinary excitement.

Pairings & Suggestions

Raw Applications

• Zucchini Ribbon Salad: Slice zucchini into ribbons, mix with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and pine nuts.
• Carpaccio: Slice thinly, drizzle olive oil and lemon zest, sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Cooked Applications

• Sautéed with Garlic & Herbs: Sauté sliced zucchini with garlic in olive oil until tender. Season with thyme or parsley.
• Roasted Spears: Cut into spears, season with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan, roast until golden.
• Stuffed Grilled Boats: Halves filled with quinoa, tomatoes, and feta, grilled to perfection.

Specialty Applications

• Zoodles: Spiralized zucchini sautéed briefly in olive oil, paired with marinara or Alfredo.
• Baked Goods: Incorporate grated zucchini into bread or muffins for added moisture and subtle sweetness.

  A Quirky Zucchini Holiday

Did you know, August 8th is celebrated as National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day in the United States? This quirky holiday embodies the communal spirit fostered by the prolific nature of zucchini plants, which often produce more than a single household can manage. Gardeners across America use this day as an opportunity to share their bountiful harvest, leaving surplus zucchini on their neighbors’ doorsteps. It’s a delightful practice that not only showcases the generosity and sharing ethos of home gardening but also provides a talking point for zucchini lovers. Next August, if you find zucchini mysteriously appearing on your porch, you’ll know exactly which green-thumbed neighbor to thank.

Storage Instructions

Store unwashed, whole green zucchini in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, using perforated or paper bags for better air circulation. Maintain a temperature of 41°F to 50°F (5°C to 10°C) and 95% relative humidity. For cut zucchini, store in an airtight container, use within 2-3 days. For extended storage, blanch and freeze, lasting up to 3 months.