Fun Facts About Zucchini
- Zucchinis contain 95% water; a small one contains about 25 calories. Substitute zucchini for a baked potato and save more than 100 calories.
- Zucchinis were first brought to the United States in the 1920s by the Italians.
- Courgette is what the French and the British call zucchini.
- The flowers of the zucchini plant are edible. Fried squash blossoms are considered a delicacy.
- Purportedly, the world’s largest zucchini measured 69 inches long and weighed 65 pounds, although there is no photographic documentation.
- Zucchini is fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, rich in manganese and vitamin C and has more potassium than a banana.
- One pound of zucchini equals about 4 cups grated zucchini; 2 cups of salted and squeezed zucchini; about 1 cup mashed zucchini; and 3 cups chunked zucchini.
- Zucchini bread is one of the most popular ways to use zucchini.
- Bigger is not necessarily better. Small to medium sized zucchinis are the most flavorful and the darker the skin, the richer the nutrients.
- The town of Obetz, Ohio has an annual Zucchini Fest each year.
What’s Included in the Zucchini Lesson Plan
- History
- Tips & recipes
- Nutritional information
- Presenter outline & talking points
- Sticker template
- PowerPoint presentation
- Student handouts
Can’t get enough fruits and veggies? Every month we feature a new fruit or veggie. Get fun facts, recipes, and more!
South Dakotans aren’t getting enough… (especially veggies) and it’s hurting our health. The good news is that more matters and all we need to do is get 5 a day.
