Welcome to my "now what?" series. This is part of my Food Storage Prepping in the Garden collection to help you better understand what you are growing and how to use your harvest.
Zucchini is quite possibly the most Abundant producer in our gardens. Black Beauty Zucchini is definitely a customer favorite. But have you grown Grey Zucchini?
50-60 days. Cucurbita pepo
A wonderful dark-green turning to nearly black when fully mature. Best harvested at 8". Semi-spineless with an open growing habit.
Good freezing, but best served fresh from the garden.
Also known as calabacita or Mexican gray squash
A smallish heat resistant zucchini squash that possesses a delicious flavor, Grey Zucchini has been a favorite of vegetable gardeners since the 1950’s. Tends to produce a high yield of zucchini squash in the 6 inch range.
Plant Grey Zucchini seeds just about anywhere, but this variety tends to thrive in the arid parts of the southwestern US and Mexico.
Zucchini is typically ready to harvest about 55 days after planting. You should pick it when the fruit is 6 to 8 inches long, depending on the variety.
Picking zucchini frequently signals the plant to produce more flowers and fruit. If you leave fruit on the vine to grow massive, the plant will stop producing or will be slower to produce.
Companion plants for Zucchini include Nasturtiums, Basil, Radish, Oregano, Beans, Borage and Garlic.
Smaller zucchini (4 to 6 inches) are incredibly tender and perfect for eating raw.
How to Harvest Zucchini
Do not pull the fruit from the plant as you may damage the plant.
Cut fruit off the vine with a sharp knife, or you risk damaging the soft stem of the plant. Leave at least 1 inch of stem on the fruit.
How to Store Zucchini
Fresh summer squash has a relatively short shelf life. Store unwashed zucchini in a plastic or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation, and place them in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
If you end up with “too much” zucchini, it can be frozen and stored for later or even dehydrated.
My favorite way to use fresh zucchini is chopped and added to stir fry. Zucchini is such a versatile fruit, there are many ways to use it up.
Additional ways to use zucchini include:
Pickling
Fritters
Bread
Stuffed
Lasagna
Casserole/ Ratatouille
Grilled
RECIPES:
Easy Homemade Meatball Recipe (GF option)
Fresh from the Garden Veggie & Couscous Salad Recipe
Garlic Scape Pesto with Zucchini Ribbons
