Enjoyed in Central and South America for several thousand years, the zucchini was introduced by Christopher Columbus to the Mediterranean region and Africa.
The Italians developed and refined the “green Italian squash” into the variety that we enjoy today. Only in the last 30 years has the zucchini enjoyed recognition and surging popularity within the United States.
Classified as a summer squash, zucchini shares lineage with melons and cucumbers. Though green is the most recognizable color, zucchini varieties can appear from dark green to golden yellow, to some varieties having light green stripes on a dark background. Shapes can vary from cylindrical to round.
Low in calories (1 cup = 36 calories), zucchini provides a respectable dose of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber without any saturated fats or cholesterol.