The secrets to choosing and cooking the best seasonal zucchini in August 🍆
August season Light recipes 🥗 Quick cooking Smart budget
Introduction
In August, zucchini is everywhere, on the stalls and on our plates! This star vegetable of sunny days comes in endless variations: pan-fried, grilled on the barbecue🔥, in a fresh salad or even in soft cakes. But do you know how to choose it well, store it, and above all enjoy it in all its freshness? Discover in this article all the secrets to making the most of seasonal zucchini, transforming it into tasty dishes and varying the pleasures without any hassle.
Gourmet ideas with zucchini
Zucchini is the perfect ally for healthy and creative meals. You can use it:
- In raw tagliatelle : grate it finely, add a squeeze of lemon, a little olive oil, sesame or sunflower seeds, and you get an ultra-fresh starter!
- On the griddle or barbecue : a few slices of zucchini brushed with oil, a pinch of fleur de sel, and you're done. Take the opportunity to discover Neary's barbecue accessories for successful summer grilling.
- In a frozen velouté : mix zucchini, mint and cream cheese with a blender suitable for a refreshing aperitif.
- Light air fryer fries : cut into sticks, sprinkle with spices and discover our selection of air fryer 2025 for healthy snacks without added fat.
- In a sweet cake : grated and incorporated into a chocolate batter, the zucchini brings softness and lightness, amazing!
For even more ideas, find inspiration every week on Neary's Recipes of the Week 🥗.
Chef's tips for cooking zucchini
Preserves color and crispness
To keep your zucchini nice and green and crisp, sear it for a few minutes over high heat, ideally in a very hot pan or on the grill. It should remain slightly firm to the bite; that's when it's at its best!
No need to peel it
The thin skin of the zucchini is easy to eat, especially if it's organic or locally sourced. You gain fiber, vitamins, and color on your plate 🥗.
Desalinate to avoid water
If you want a less watery zucchini (for a pie, for example), cut it into slices, add a little salt, and let it drain for fifteen minutes. Then pat dry, and your dish will remain soft without excess water.
A hint of lemon or herbs
Enhance the sweetness of zucchini with lemon zest, mint, or fresh basil. It's the perfect pairing for salads or summer dishes!
Air fryer cooking test
For crispy chips or golden brown sticks without the fat, the air fryer is your best friend. Discover our tips and models in the Neary comparison guide .
Buy well without making a mistake
August zucchini is full of flavor, but to choose it for sure, follow these easy tips:
- Choose small zucchini : they are more tender and less watery. If they are heavy and firm, that's a good sign!
- The skin should be smooth, shiny and free of brown spots . Mini zucchini, green or yellow, are often excellent raw or cooked.
- Avoid zucchini that is too large or softened, as it is often more fibrous inside.
- To keep them fresh, place them in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, without a sealed plastic bag. Ideally, consume them within five days of purchase.
- Budget tip 🥗: In August, zucchini is inexpensive, especially at the market. This is the time to stock up (cooking, freezing, jars).
And if you want to vary your cooking this summer, explore the Neary barbecue and grill range or opt for a blender for smoothies and soups : perfect for enhancing zucchini in cold or hot versions!
FAQ
Can you eat raw zucchini?
Yes, young, fresh zucchini is great eaten raw, grated or thinly sliced, especially in salads or carpaccio. Add a squeeze of lemon to make it even more digestible!
What to do if the zucchini is bitter?
If you notice a bitter taste, it's best not to eat it. This may indicate the presence of cucurbitacins, natural substances that can sometimes be toxic. Always choose young, local, and well-stored zucchini.
How to keep zucchini longer?
Store it in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, unwashed and without a sealed plastic bag. To freeze it, cut it into pieces, blanch them quickly, and then store in a refrigerated bag.
Should the seeds be removed?
Not necessary for a young zucchini. For larger ones, remove the central parts if they are fibrous or soft.
Any tips for cooking zucchini without water?
Remember to drain it with a little salt, then pat it dry before cooking. You can also cook it over high heat to limit water loss and keep all its crunch 🥗.
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