Zucchini is a classic summer squash. Zucchini is considered a vegetable, however, botanically zucchini is a swollen fruit. From the stem end to blossom end, the zucchini squash has a cylindrical shape with no tapering.
Zucchini are bright green to dark green in color and have a smooth, glossy exterior. Zucchini has a creamy, white, crunchy and firm textured flesh with edible seeds. Zucchini has a sweet summer squash taste.
Average length of zucchini is 6 – 8 inches long. Zucchini can weigh in the range of 200-300 grams ( 7-10.5 ounces or 0.4 – 0.6 pounds).
Scientific name of Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Other names of Zucchini
- Courgette
- Baby Marrow
- Calabacín
- Zucchino
- Courgette
Nutrition facts of Zucchini
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 21 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.4 | GRAM | 1% |
| Protein | 2.71 | GRAM | 5% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.11 | GRAM | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.1 | GRAM | 4% |
Calories by source in Zucchini:
- Calories by carbohydrate in Zucchini = 53%
- Calories by fat in Zucchini = 16%
- Calories by protein in Zucchini = 31%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Zucchini:
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Zucchini = 60%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Zucchini = 29%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Zucchini = 11%
Detailed vitamin profile of Zucchini, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart at the end of the article.
Detailed mineral profile of Zucchini, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart at the end of the article.
Check freshness in Zucchini
- Select zucchini with smooth skin and bright color. A smaller zucchini one has fewer seeds and is more tender
- Avoid large zucchini with hardened skin as they lack flavor and texture
Availability of Zucchini
- Generally zucchini is available round the year
How to store Zucchini
- Zucchini can be stored at room temperature for a day
- Zucchini can be stored in a refrigerator for up-to 2 weeks
Complete nutrition facts of Zucchini
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Zucchini nutrition chart/infographic.
