Zucchini flowers: The Italian delicacy that needs to embrace

Zucchini is a commonly known and loved vegetable. It is used in various ways—soups, sauces, pancakes, casseroles, and desserts. However, few people know that zucchini flowers are also edible in addition to the fruit! These delicate flowers are a true delicacy in Italian cuisine, though they are still underappreciated. It's time to change that!

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable often underestimated, but it is considered a true delicacy in Italy. In the gardens, zucchini can be harvested as early as June, and beautiful, edible flowers appear before they mature. Learning about the various uses of zucchini and its flowers in the kitchen is worth it to fully utilize their flavor and health potential.

Zucchini flowers are delicious and a healthy addition to many dishes. They contain vitamins A, C, K, B1, B6, PP, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Their flavor is delicate and slightly sweet, accompanied by a subtle aroma. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

Zucchini flowers can be eaten in many ways:

• Raw: Add them to salads, pastas, risotto, sandwiches, or tarts.
• Fried: Dip the flowers in tempura (a thin pancake batter) and deep fry until golden.
• Stuffed: Fill the flowers with your favorite cheese (e.g., ricotta, mozzarella) or vegetable stuffing and bake them in the oven.
• On pizza: Add the flowers to the pizza a few minutes before the end of baking.
• In omelets: Add the flowers to the omelet while frying.

Edible zucchini flowers are fully open and bright yellow. Choose flowers that are free of spots and damage. Before use, gently rinse the flowers under running water and remove the stamens from the male flowers.

Looking for an unconventional dinner idea that will impress with flavor? Opt for zucchini flowers! These delicate flowers are the perfect addition to summer dishes. Try them in a salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, add them to pasta with pesto, bake them with ricotta and tomatoes, or serve them as a crispy addition to pizza. Zucchini flowers are a true delicacy that will surely impress your guests!

Zucchini flowers are best eaten right after picking. Do not store them in the refrigerator for more than a few days.