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Can I Eat Zucchini Flowers?

Helena Reimer
Helena Reimer

Not only can you eat zucchini flowers, but they are also a great way to add a bit of extra nutrition to your plate. Unlike some other edible flowers, which can be slightly bitter or hot, zucchini flowers are tasty and on the mild side. There are several ways that you can eat the flowers, such as stuffing them with your favorite stuffing and frying them or adding them to your favorite salads, including both raw and cooked salads. The yellow zucchini flowers also look great when used as decorations on cakes or in soups.

Although they are very similar in appearance, there are two types of zucchini flowers known as the male and female. One of the differences between them is that the male grows on a slightly longer stem than the female. Both flowers and all parts of the flowers are edible, including the pistil and stamen, which are enclosed within the petals.

Zucchini prior to slicing.
Zucchini prior to slicing.

Zucchini blossoms can sometimes be obtained at a local farmer's market but can also be picked fresh from the garden. The best time to pick them is early in the morning as that is when they are the freshest. The male flowers do not produce zucchinis, but they are required for the pollination of the female flowers. Therefore, when picking them from the garden, make sure to leave enough of them to support pollination. In regards to the female flowers, they should be picked before they begin to produce.

Zucchini flowers make a great addition to your favorite salads.
Zucchini flowers make a great addition to your favorite salads.

Preparing zucchini flowers is very easy as all you do is cut off the stems and, with a clean towel, remove any debris. You can then cut the flowers up as desired and toss them in with your favorite salads. Another way is to leave them whole and use them as decorations on desserts and other dishes. Cooking with zucchini flowers is easy as well because they go in stir-fries along with zucchini, onions, and other vegetables.

Zucchini flowers can be added to a vegetable stir-fry and served over nutritious brown rice.
Zucchini flowers can be added to a vegetable stir-fry and served over nutritious brown rice.

Even though zucchini flowers are delicate, they can be stuffed and fried with just about any type of stuffing, such as cheese or anchovies. Simply open the blossoms, being careful not to tear the petals. Depending on your preference, you can remove the inside in order to make more room for the stuffing, or you can leave it intact. Whatever stuffing you choose, make sure to leave enough room at the top in order to twist the petals closed. This ensures that the stuffing remains within the flowers as they are dipped in the batter and fried.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

I didn't know that Zucchini flowers could be eaten until I noticed that an animal was eating the ones in my garden on a regular basis. I told my friend about it and she asked me if I have Italian neighbors! Apparently, zucchini flowers are a very popular ingredient in Italy!

fify

@anamur-- I love zucchini flowers in every way, but if I had to pick one recipe, it would be fried zucchini flowers. These are very easy to make and very delicious. I'm sure your kids will eat them.

You just need to make a batter with flour, eggs, water and a pinch of salt. You can stuff the zucchini flowers with cheese or just leave them as is. Dip the flowers in the batter and fry. You can serve them with different sauces or just ketchup. It's very delicious.

There are many more zucchini recipes. I'm sure others will chime in with their favorite one.

serenesurface

I've always wondered if I could eat the flowers of my zucchini plant because they always look so fresh and delicious. I'm glad to know that they can be eaten and that lots of people do eat them.

So what is the best way to eat zucchini flowers? I would like a zucchini flower recipe that will make them taste very good so that my kids will eat it too. I'm afraid that if I just throw the in some salad, they will never give it a try.

Any ideas?

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    • Zucchini prior to slicing.
      By: fotomatrix
      Zucchini prior to slicing.
    • Zucchini flowers make a great addition to your favorite salads.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Zucchini flowers make a great addition to your favorite salads.
    • Zucchini flowers can be added to a vegetable stir-fry and served over nutritious brown rice.
      By: Stepan Popov
      Zucchini flowers can be added to a vegetable stir-fry and served over nutritious brown rice.