Ingredient: Zucchini

Contrary to popular belief, Zucchini, or green squash, is not a vegetable. It is actually a fruit, also known as ‘courgette,’ which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae plant family. A close relative to gourds and cucumbers, zucchinis range from a dark to more yellowish-green color. Flavor-wise, zucchinis are mild and not overwhelming in taste. They are just slightly sweet. The summer squash’s taste also adapts to the way it gets cooked. Zucchinis are surprisingly versatile, and they are worthy of experimenting with numerous recipes regardless of whether you are making a sweet or a savory dish. They are great to eat on their own, grilled, roasted, or sautéed in olive oil (with some garlic for a delicious crispy result), and can even be a healthier pasta substitute. Besides, Zucchini can be an incredible addition to baked goods. For instance, Zucchini can be puréed than added to sweeten your muffin, bread, or cake mix. Another creative way to use Zucchini in the kitchen is by preparing it as a pizza base. Not only is Zucchini multipurpose, but it is a highly nutritious ingredient thanks to its high in water and fiber nature. It is also an ingredient that is low in calories with no fat whatsoever. As such, it is ideal for dieting and can help stabilize blood sugar while it is also perfect for regulating digestion.