Zu- What?

Zucchini is the most common type of summer squash. Zucchini are also known as a “courgettes,” derived from the French term. Zucchini are shaped like cucumbers, and their ideal size is between 15 and 20 centimeters. Its smooth skin can vary from green to yellow, and can be spotted or streaked. It has a high water content, and its flavour is mild. When raw, zucchini has a crisp, firm texture. However, when cooked, it softens and can easily become mushy. Zucchini grow in a large range of environments, and are available in most supermarkets, especially during the summer. It can also easily be grown from home; however one must exercise caution because one small plant can create a greater number of zucchini than one would think possible. Zucchini is used in a large variety of recipes, and is one of the most widely used vegetables in the cooking and baking world.

Savoury Recipe: Ratatouille

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp dried parsley
1 eggplant
2 zucchini
1 large onion
2 cups mushrooms
1 bell pepper
2 large tomatoes (may be substituted with diced canned tomatoes)
 
Seasonings
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt and pepper
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
 
To Make:
1. Slice onion, eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes.
2.  Sauté garlic, onion and eggplant on med-high heat until onion is translucent and eggplant is oftened.
3. Combine seasonings.
4. Assemble the ratatouille in an oiled casserole dish. Layer vegetables and sprinkle seasoning over each layer starting with ½ eggplant mixture, ½ tomatoes, ½ zucchini, ½ mushrooms, ½ bell pepper. Repeat with remaining vegetables.
5. Cover the top of the vegetables with parmesan cheese. Bake covered at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with a crusty baguette.

Sweet Recipe: Zucchini Raisin Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), in a 9-inch (2.5 L) square cake pan, greased.

Bar:

¼ cup butter or shortening

2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup shredded unpeeled zucchini
½ cup raisins

Frosting:
1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
¼ cup butter or shortening
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 to 2 tbsp milk

Bar:
1. Cream butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of electric mixer until light and creamy
2. Add flour, baking soda and spices. Mix well.
3. Stir in zucchini and raisins.
4. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Frosting:

1. Beat together all ingredients, adding enough milk to make a smooth, spreadable consistency. Spread evenly over bars.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

• The World's longest zucchini was 69 and a half inches in length and the record weight is 65 pounds!

• According to World’s Healthiest Foods Nutrition info, nutrients and vitamins found in zucchini can help prevent cancer and heart disease.

• The word zucchini comes from ‘zucca’ the Italian word for squash.
• Biggest is NOT best. The most flavorful zucchinis are small- to medium-sized.

Zucchini plant

Gardens, Trickery & a Giant Zucchini



My brother Adam, age 8, turning over our garden in Comox, B.C.

When I was little, my family always had a garden. Even though we moved frequently as a result of my dad being in the military, we always made sure to have at least a small garden and compost. Zucchini plants were one of our most successful crops. It grew wherever we went: Northern Alberta, South Western B.C., and southern Alberta. We always produced a great harvest and ended up with an abundance of zucchini. Unfortunately, my brother and I were not overly fond of this squash. In an effort to get us to eat it, my mother and grandmother became inventive. They found, adapted and even created recipes to incorporate and disguise this vegetable. (In other words, they tricked us.) One specific recipe my grandmother altered was one that calls for an Indian squash, doodi. She substituted it for zucchini. Zucchini ‘halva’ became one of my favourite sweets, as well as chocolate zucchini cake (it’s super moist), zucchini cranberry muffins, zucchini raisin bars... the list goes on. My mom also created savoury dishes such as zucchini and pea curry, ratatouille and stir frys.

Size of zucchini compared to a banana!

In Colorado, a family friend left town for the weekend, and returned to find an outrageously sized zucchini crop. We offered to take a zucchini home, assuming he was exaggerating, thinking that a squash could not get that big in one weekend. You can imagine our shock when we saw its size! But thanks to our family’s history with zucchini, we knew exactly what to do with it! :)

Zucchini in Ottawa

Zucchini is available in Ottawa’s local food markets as well. At the Ottawa Farmer’s Market, zucchini is in season from June to September. Since it is so abundant and well-known, this particular summer squash is not difficult to find.

Obetz Zucchini Festival, Obetz, OH

Obetz, Ohio is a village with a population of approximately 4,500. Although tiny, this town knows how to throw a festival. The Obetz Zucchini Fest can also be considered the county fair for the town of Obetz, however in which the main attraction is, well, zucchini. Their activities include a large variety of rides, a car and motorcycle show, a parade, zucchini competitions, arts & crafts, multiple pageants, a magic show, and food samplings including zucchini bread, cake, burgers and fudge. This year, one of their main attractions is a tribute to the Eagles, featuring many of their best hits, including Hotel California. The festival lasts from Thursday, August 23^rd - Sunday, August 26^th. Visit their website here.

If you plan on attending this festival, I’d suggest staying in Columbus, the capital of Ohio. That way, you can have the privilege of touring Columbus as well as being in a close enough proximity to Obetz to attend the festival (the drive from Columbus to Obetz is approximately 17 minutes).

Only 10 minutes from the airport, the German Village Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast is an ideal location for anyone looking to tour Columbus and its surrounding areas. It is especially convenient for a person who plans on venturing to the zucchini fest, as this bed and breakfast is located near the south of Columbus, putting it in a closer proximity to the village of Obetz. The prices for two adults range from $170- $210 (CAD) a night, depending on size of rooms and weekends and weekdays.

A less expensive option is The Red Roof Inn Columbus West. Located 10 miles from downtown Columbus, its room rates range from $65-$75 (USD).

Attractions you should be sure to check out while you are staying in Columbus include:

Schrock'sAmish Farm

4821 OH-39, Berlin, OH 44610

Phone: 330-893-3232

Located in Berlin, Ohio, this Amish farm makes for an easy day trip and allows one to experience the ‘simple’ ways life. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn traditional food growing techniques, and discover the work that goes into it. Online reviewers say it was “very authentic” and they “were able to take a buggy ride and a wagon ride, [as well as] feed the animals.”

Spice it up - Amazing Tastes Tour

North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus

Taste your way through Columbus’ North Market. Tasters will learn the history of Columbus’ 130+ old food market, meet local merchants and farmers and taste all they have to offer.