Have you ever walked into your garden and found a zucchini that is actually HUGE? You know, like the one that is a 2 feet long (shown) and weighs 10 lbs.
Extra large zucchini tend to be seedy and tough, but don’t throw them away just yet.
Note: At maturity age, they can grow to nearly 1 meter (~2 feet) in length, but they are normally harvested at about 15–25 cm.
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Are giant zucchini good to eat?
Yes. If you grow, bought or were given a gigantic zucchini, you probably know that they are of great value in all senses of the word.
One of the most versatile shaped vegetable marrow you can eat. You can bake them, make a soup, gluten-free bread and/or desserts.
It might come as a surprise, but you’ll be glad to know that they have mighty health benefits too. Zucchini/courgette can improve digestion and lower heart diseases.
Here are 5 ways to use those oversized zucchini
1. Make Zucchini Noodles using a mandolin or spiralizer. If you don’t own one of these kitchen gadgets/tools, you may 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 and feta.
Bon Appétit!
2. Carve out the seeds to make Baked Zucchini Seeds. This will require patience and time, but the end result is well 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 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.
What is the best way to cook zucchini?
And, in case you are wondering what is the most convenient way to cook an enormous zucchini – we’d say, without hesitation, to go for sautéed Zucchini.
Whatever way you decided to cook your zucchini – just remember and say to your kids that it is fully packed with important vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It also has a high fiber content and a low calorie count.
Fiber plays a powerful role in digestion, and it has other health benefits such as: helping maintain weight and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
Other two courgette recipes that we like:
- The veg space with roasted courgette soup with peas and basil. A winner and so easy to make, this soup!
- Three ingredients for a smooth and delicious vegan zucchini soup
We hope you have fun tackling that mammoth-sized zucchini, anyway.
Let us know how you end up using yours in the comments below.
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