Zucchini flowers: what are they, benefits and when to pick them?

Zucchini flowers (zuccini) have become a gastronomic option. Find out what they are, what properties they give us and how to find them.

The zucchini flowers are quite a delicacy. With these beautiful and striking yellow-orange flowers we can accompany many dishes and even present them as a starter just by preparing them in batter or tempura, stuffed, sautéed or even accompanying salads.

Zucchini flowers are highly appreciated in the haute cuisine of many countries such as Italian cuisine, Japan, Mexico … In fact, in Spain more and more restaurants where we can see that they offer zucchini flowers on their menus.

Likewise, in the market, supermarkets and in stores that dispense organic products, it is increasingly common to see zucchini or pumpkin flowers for sale.

The flavor of the zucchini flower is delicate, has a sweet touch, and is slightly reminiscent of the flavor of almonds.

If you have a small garden and grow your own zucchini, in the following lines we will indicate when is the best time to pick your flowers, and how to keep them until cooking.

We must bear in mind that there are two types of flowers in the zucchini bush, the female flower and the male flower.

The ideal is to collect the male flowers and leave the female ones so that the zucchini grow in them, unless we have a greater quantity when it comes to planting zucchini.

What are zucchini flowers?

As we mentioned before, the truth is that zucchini flowers have become a delicacy, highly valued in gastronomy and the most avant-garde cuisine. However, did you know that it has always stood out for being a very present ingredient in many kitchens around the world? Thus, for example, we can find a wide variety of recipes that use this food as an ingredient. This is the case of Italian cuisine, Mexican cuisine or even Japanese.

Its intense yellow color and its large size and flared appearance make it an easily distinguishable plant. In addition, we can easily find them either on top of the zucchini itself (with a smaller and fleshy pistil), or on the margin (with a longer stem, and a thin pistil).

How to Differentiate Zucchini Flowers Easily?

Perhaps you ask yourself the following question and how to differentiate them? To differentiate them we will notice that the male flowers are located on the margin, they have a long stem, elongated calyx, thin pistil and stamens, on the other hand, the female flowers have shorter pistil, and the leaves of the calyx are fleshier, and are in the top of the fruit.

Both the male flower and the female flower can be eaten, but it is advisable to collect the male ones and leave the female ones in the bush for the zucchini to grow as we have said before.

The best time to collect them is in the morning when they have been opened, they open only a few hours, once a day, a time for wise nature to fulfill its function, pollination through insects and the wind.

We can also collect them when they are closed, it will depend on the recipe that we are going to make at that time.

Once we have collected them, we will wash them, carefully open them a little and cut the pistil which is what usually gives a somewhat bitter touch to the flower.

We carefully dry them and keep them in the fridge in a covered container until cooking.

If we are not going to cook them that same day, we can keep them soaked in water and in the refrigerator to keep them crisp.

Then we must bear in mind that they will only last us a maximum of 2 days, otherwise they will lose the freshness and flavor that characterizes them.

And what nutritional properties and benefits do these striking flowers bring us?

Zucchini flowers are rich in antioxidants, rich in water and fiber, and rich in minerals such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B, beta-caratene or vitamin A.

As they are rich in antioxidants, they prevent us from aging the cells of our body, and above all, their richness in antioxidants helps us prevent the negative action of free radicals.

The amount of water and fiber give them diuretic and light laxative properties, which will help us eliminate toxins that accumulate in our body, and also facilitate good intestinal transit.

On the other hand, we could not forget that they are a very light food, with no fat and whose caloric intake is really low. It thus becomes a delicious nutritious option for salads, particularly in weight loss diets.

Once you know how beneficial and nutritious zucchini flowers are, do you dare to try them by preparing a recipe with them?