Season: May to October

Description: Zucchini provides vitamin A and C, which are antioxidants that may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin A helps maintain eye health. Vitamin C helps protect skin from bruising, helps heal cuts and keeps gums healthy. Eating foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Zucchini also provides potassium, magnesium and folate. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure and magnesium help build and maintain strong bones. Folate may reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating foods with folate before pregnancy helps lower the risk of delivering a baby with neural tube defects.

Selection: Select zucchini with firm and shiny, but slightly prickly skin. Avoid selecting zucchini with cuts or bruises.

Storing: Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Do not wash until you are ready to use. Cooked zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Recipes containing Zucchini: