If you signed up for a CSA, are a farmers market fanatic, or even just someone who likes to shop veggies in season, you’re probably inundated with zucchini right about now. Late summer is zucchini season, and even when all the other vegetables are faltering, zucchini never seems to fail us.
In fact, maybe you have a little bit more on hand than you’d like (you wouldn’t be alone). Ever think about tossing it into your juicer?
Zucchini (also known as a “courgette” or “summer squash”), a relative of cucumber and melon, is a fantastic source of antioxidants. It’s also a pretty good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, manganese, and potassium.
The zucchini skin is particularly rich in nutrients, so make sure you buy organic to avoid contaminants – so that you can stick the whole thing through your juicer. Don’t be scared of the taste! Raw zucchini flesh is very mild, and technically it’s not even a vegetable; it’s an “immature fruit.”
Pineapple-Zucchini Green Juice
If you’re worried that you won’t like the taste of the zucchini, try this flavorful juice. The mild-mannered zucchini is masked by the bright pineapple and vibrant parsley. This is a perfect juice to have in hand while soaking up a few last sunny afternoons.
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 handful spinach or romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 2-4 stalks celery
- 1+ cup pineapple (the more you use, the sweeter the juice will be)
Feed all ingredients through your juicer. Sip and enjoy immediately!
Classic Green Juice with a Zucchini Twist
Try adding a zucchini to this standard juice recipe (or try it with your own favorite mix) to use of some of that summer excess!
- 2 cups greens (preferably kale and spinach)
- 2 pears
- 1 cucumber
- 1 zucchini
- 1 inch peeled ginger
- lemon to taste
Juice as usual. Revel in the fact that you have one less zucchini to use. And remember: if all else fails, there’s always this zucchini and wheatgrass bread recipe!
Photo attribute: semisweetonline.com
