Zucchini and Tomato Skillet

Zucchini is a summer squash. Meaning zucchini harvested while immature. The rind is tender and edible. Botanically zucchini is a fruit. In the culinary world it's treated like a vegetable. It's harvested when it reaches 9 to 10 inches long, it loses taste if it grows longer than 9 to 10 inches. 

Zucchini was developed in Italy in 19 century near Milan. Their name comes for an Italian word, squash ("zucca"). The other name courgette comes from French for this vegetable. Zucchini came to North America in 1920s, may have been brought by Italian immigrants. Good chance is was first cultivation in California. People in USA, Canada and Australia call it the Italian name, Zucchini. In South Africa is called "baby marrow." 

Zucchini like the temperate climate and is easy to cultivate. Farmers try to control production by harvesting the flower, which can be sold at high cost, due to it's consider a delicatessen. They required a great number of bees for pollination. 

Zucchini very healthy, because they contain folate, vitamin A and potassium. As mention, they are harvested when very young for good taste. 

Zucchini can be eaten raw in salad, or grilling, frying, steam, boil and baking. 

Zucchini flowers are stuffed, battered and than deep fried. Tempura, Japanese dish.  

Mexicans like to use zucchini in soup. Quesadillas for a filling. 

Easy way to cook zucchini is slice it with skin on cooked in butter or olive oil with seasonings.

In Bulgarian, they cook zucchini as a snack, serve with dip. 

Egyptians, cook zucchini in tomato sauce with onions and garlic. 

History by Vegetable Facts

Healthy, simple delicious side dish.

Zucchini and Tomato Skillet
Recipe by Christine Lamb @ Christine's Pantry - 2019

Ingredients:
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
1 green onion, sliced
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:
Heat oil and melt butter over medium heat. Add zucchini and seasonings. Cook until tender and golden brown. Stir in chopped tomatoes and green onion, cook additional minute. Serve.

Until next time,
Christine