What to do with Oversized Zucchini

Have you ever walked into your garden and found a zucchini that is HUGE… you know the one that is a 2 feet long and weighs 10 lbs.  Extra large zucchini tend to be seedy and tough, but don’t throw them away just yet.  Here are 5 ways to use those oversized zucchini.

1. Make Zucchini Noodles using a mandolin or spiralizer.  If you don’t have one of these specialty tools, you can also use a peeler and turn them into zucchini ribbons.  The outside skin and immediate outer layers are the best part of the gargantuan vegetable.  To make the “noodles” slice each side of the zucchini until you reach the seeds, which you will discard or move onto #2 below.  Throw the “noodles” into a pan with olive oil, garlic, and salt.  Cook for approximately 5 minutes.  Top with thinly sliced basil. Bon Appetite!

2. Carve out the seeds to make Baked Zucchini Seeds.  This will require patience and time, but the end result is worth the effort.  Spoon out the seeds, place them in a colander to remove as much of the fiber as possible, and then pat dry.  Spray the seeds with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  They are a great crunchy, nutty snack!

3. Zucchini Bread is a great option for these oversized vegetables.  I love this zucchini bread recipe from Liz at Love Grows Wild.  Make sure to grate only the outside, non-seed layers of the zucchini and then squeeze out all of the water.  If you have excess zucchini shreds, you can freeze them for future use.

4. Bake some Stuffed Zucchini Boats using this recipe from Lori at Recipe Girl. Your large zucchini will easily be able to feed 4-6 people, just be sure to cut accordingly.  Once you have scraped out the seedy inside to make your boat, use the remnants in suggestion #5 below.

5. If none of the above options sound appetizing you can always cut it up and Compost it!  You could also use it as a club, help your kids turn it into a car, or feed it to the pigs.

I hope you have fun tackling that mammoth-sized zucchini. Let me know how you end up using yours in the comments below.