Zucchini is one of the most nutritious summer squash, loved for its unique taste and appetizing use in a variety of dishes. This fruit, often mistaken as a vegetable, is usually available in the warmer seasons. Thus, it is much more popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
As zucchini can easily pair up with various ingredients, you might want to have it in the colder seasons too. But that’s somehow difficult. If you still want a familiar taste, you can go with its potential alternatives.
This article includes some of the best fruits and vegetables that you can use when zucchini becomes hard to find. These options won’t let you compromise on taste and nutrition and are definitely worth a try!
What is Zucchini?
The zucchini or baby marrow comes as a fruit of a vining herbaceous plant. These fruits are harvested when the seeds are soft and edible. Typically, zucchini comes in different shades of green while there is a variety called golden zucchini which is deep yellow or orange. When fully matured, they can grow up to one meter in length while they are harvested at about 20-25 centimeters. The shape of the fruit depends on the variety
Botanically, zucchini’s fruit is a berry with a hardened epicarp while it is often thought to be a vegetable because of how it is cooked and used in many savory dishes. Besides a great taste, it can provide a variety of health benefits to its consumers as well. It is naturally packed with a wide variety of fibers and vitamins and works great for your body.
For instance, zucchini works great for;
- Digestive issues
- Protecting your vision
- Lowering blood sugar
- Boosting energy
- Moderating the effect of puffy-eyes
However, it is occasionally said to have cucurbitacins which is a toxic substance, making zucchini bitter and causing gastro-enteric upsets. It might occur due to stressful growing conditions and cross-pollination.
Zucchini is a versatile fruit and finds its way into countless recipes including salads, soups, grilled, or frittatas. However, if you can’t access this bliss, look for the following alternatives.
Substitutes for zucchini
You need not wait for summer to enjoy zucchini. Try out the following alternatives for a similar taste and tang!
1) Pumpkin
It is because it tastes and feels closely similar to zucchini.
Additionally, pumpkin has a lot of nutritive components that your body will love, whether you want to consume it in a delicious pie or a soup. It is packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin C, all of which are quite beneficial for our general health throughout the colder months.
Also, pumpkin is a preferred option that effectively replaces zucchini because its preferred season is autumn and winter. So, you won’t have any trouble finding it at the grocery store during those times.
There are many different ways to prepare this delectable delight. You can make a lot of sweet and savory meals using it. So, how about giving it a try this time?
2) Yellow Squash
The “canary yellow” kind of yellow squash is the greatest substitute for zucchini and number 2 on our list!
The majority of people who enjoy zucchini and have consumed yellow squash concur that they share characteristics. The flavors of these two well-known squash types are comparable.
Yellow squash has a mild sweet bitter flavor and can add colors to your recipes. It is best used in combination with zucchini as a potential alternative for summer squash. However, it can definitely work well for zucchini as well.
Having a high antioxidant potential, yellow squash can save you against cellular damage caused by free radicals and help to lower the level of bad cholesterol as well.
In any meal you want to prepare, particularly ones that call for frying, you can experiment with substituting yellow squash for zucchini. Your visitors will undoubtedly request a second serving after seeing the outcome!
3) Eggplant
If you can’t get zucchini, the typical eggplant can be a wonderful substitute. Yes, you read it right!
In addition to sharing a similar shape, zucchini and eggplant also share comparable characteristics in terms of their textures and the various ways you can prepare them.
Eggplants are usually soft and readily available in the market year-round. Also, they have a good shelf-life. The mild, sweet, tender, and a bit bitter taste of the eggplants make them worth a try. It has an impeccable nutrient profile too and is often recommended for diabetics and anemics.
Eggplants are full of healthy ingredients and work well as side dishes. Their strong, distinctive flavor will stand out and make your dinner a culinary treat. Read more on: Benefits of Eggplants
4) Cucumber
If you enjoy using zucchini in salads, the thought of substituting pumpkin or eggplant may not appeal to you. In such a case, cucumber can be your savior!
Typically eaten raw, cucumber is a great complement to any salad and goes well with the majority of veggies. It blends in with any salad with ease.
However, when it comes to taste, cucumber might not be a close relative of zucchini, but it is undoubtedly a wonderful stepbrother who can give the juicy flavor, that you’re after, in a salad or a light side dish.
This low-calorie, hydrated species will offer you a great treat without making you compromise on your diet and calorie intake!
5) Patty Pan Squash
Due to its small and flat appearance, this summer squash species might look completely distinct from zucchini, but it isn’t so. Thus, a patty pan might work well in place of zucchini.
These squashes come in three major colors: white, green, and yellow. Pattypan and zucchini do share some characteristics because they are both members of the same family, with texture being the most notable.
Similarly to zucchini, patties can be fried or baked. Additionally, you may consume it straight from the container and mix it with other salads. You don’t have to waste time peeling patty pan with this alternative, which is a huge benefit. It only needs to be washed.
6) Carrot
Although they don’t have many similarities, carrots can occasionally be a great substitute for zucchini.
It’s because you can prepare carrots in the same ways as zucchini: by grating, chopping, cooking, and baking. If you’re cooking a salad, soup, baked goods, or bread, carrot is a terrific substitute.
You can substitute two medium-sized carrots for one zucchini. However, like squash, carrots likewise need extra baking time to soften.
7) Apple
When constructing a dessert, the ideal zucchini replacement is an apple!
It can be used to produce bread, crackers, muffins, cakes, and cupcakes. We suggest substituting two apples for one zucchini. Use yellow apples for the greatest outcomes as they are neither as acidic as green apples nor as sweet as red ones.
You must grate the apple or zucchini in the majority of dessert recipes. They don’t need to be peeled beforehand. The peel won’t affect the taste and provides the biggest health advantages.
8) Celery
It includes vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids along with 12 other types of antioxidant elements. It is also an excellent source of phytonutrients, which have been found to lessen inflammation in the blood vessels, cells, and organs.
Probably that’s why when you feel unwell and feeble, you hear from elderly people to add some celery to your meals.
It works well in soups and other hot recipes as an alternative for zucchini. For instance, you may prepare a delectable celery cream soup in the same manner as you would a zucchini one. The remainder won’t change; you just need to simmer it for another 10 minutes or so.
9) Parsley
Celery’s relative, parsley, has at least as many, if not more, health advantages. It is most frequently used in herbal, hot soups and can best replace zucchini in the most popular oven-baked zucchini fries.
With an impeccable nutrient profile, this nutrient-rich vegetable is very popular among health-conscious beings. It is mostly preferred for its vitamin-K content which helps to strengthen your bones and ensures blood clotting. However, parsley is also very rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that work to reduce the risk of various chronic health conditions.
10) Sweet Potato
Similar to squash, sweet potato is an excellent substitute for zucchini in any dish.
They are usually rich in vitamins and minerals and are likely to support your immune system and digestive system. They are good for a clear vision too.
You may have heard of zoodles, a meal using zucchini-based noodles. It is nutritious, tasty, and simple. And sweet potatoes can be used to make the same dish!
You can also bake them and use them in various dishes but make sure to cook them before as it is good for soft and stringy flesh.