From Our Farm
Mature Oversized Zucchini
An oversized zucchini is fully edible but usually has tougher skin, larger seeds and more watery flesh than a young zucchini.
How it compares to Young zucchini and winter squash
It is less tender than small zucchini but its large size is excellent for stuffing, shredding and baking.
Storage & handling
- Peel if the skin is tough.
- Split lengthwise and scoop out large seeds and spongy pulp.
- Discard any zucchini that tastes unusually bitter; extreme bitterness can indicate unsafe cucurbitacins.
3 Ways to Cook Mature Oversized Zucchini
Stuffed Giant Zucchini BoatsThe large seed cavity becomes space for a hearty filling.+
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound cooked meat or beans
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Halve zucchini and scoop out seeds.
- Place halves in a baking dish.
- Mix filling ingredients and spoon into cavities.
- Cover and bake 35 minutes; uncover, add cheese and bake 10 minutes.
Recipe adapted from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Zucchini FrittersShredding makes mature zucchini tender and useful.+
Ingredients
- 3 cups grated zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- Oil
Instructions
- Peel and seed zucchini if needed, then grate.
- Salt and rest 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Mix with eggs, flour and cheese.
- Pan-fry spoonfuls until browned on both sides.
Recipe adapted from Forks Over Knives
Classic Zucchini BreadA moist quick bread that uses plenty of shredded squash.+
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk eggs, oil and sugar.
- Stir in zucchini.
- Fold in flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
- Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Baking
Want Mature Oversized Zucchini in your box?
Every Belle Nature CSA box is grown in Farmington, MN, harvested within 24 hours of delivery, and comes with recipes like these. Reserve your 12-week farm share for the Twin Cities.
A CSA farm in Farmington, MN delivering farm-fresh, seasonal vegetable boxes across Minneapolis, St. Paul & the Twin Cities metro.
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