Large zucchini are typically referred to as marrow, especially when they become overgrown. These giant squashes offer a plethora of culinary possibilities, particularly in baked goods like muffins, bread, and cakes, due to their unique structure. Additionally, marrow can be used as a versatile ingredient in stuffed squash recipes.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
This recipe from Skinnytaste provides a delicious way to utilize large zucchini. The dish features crispy, breaded zucchini rounds topped with a flavorful marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
- 6 tablespoons part-skim shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 1 giant zucchini, sliced into 12 1/2” thick slices
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs, or gluten-free crumbs*
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup warmed marinara sauce, Jarred is fine, plus 1/2 cup more for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and parsley in a medium bowl.
- Season both sides of the zucchini with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow plate, beat the eggs and 1 teaspoon of water together. Place the bread crumbs in another plate.
- Dip each zucchini round in the egg, then the breadcrumbs.
- Spray a generous amount of olive oil spray on each side and transfer to the air fryer basket in an even layer, in batches as needed.
- Air fry at 380F for 12 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp, golden, and tender in the center. Set aside. Transfer to a baking sheet. Spoon each piece with 1 generous tablespoon of sauce, then 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and golden, about 5 to 6 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Types of Zucchini
Beyond the classic green zucchini, there exists a diverse array of varieties, each with its unique characteristics and culinary applications. Here’s a glimpse into the world of zucchini:
- Bianco di Trieste Zucchini: Pale green, glossy skin, shorter in length.
- Black Beauty Zucchini: Dark green, long and thin, ideal for baking or air frying.
- Cocozelle Zucchini (Striped Zucchini): Italian variety, green and white stripes, firm texture, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
- Costata Romanesco Zucchini: Italian heirloom, ribbed dark green skin, firm and meaty texture, perfect for grilling or roasting.
- Gadzukes Zucchini: Hybrid between zucchini and cucumber, crisp texture, refreshing cucumber-like flavor.
- Green Bush Zucchini: Compact, bushy plants, cylindrical dark green zucchini, great for baked zucchini recipes.
- Green Egg Squash: Oval-shaped, 5” long, thicker than regular zucchini, similar taste.
- Lebanese Zucchini: Pale green, cylindrical, sweet and nutty flavor, firm texture, commonly used stuffed in Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Magda Zucchini: Middle Eastern variety, light green skin, long and slender, tender texture, sweet and delicate flavor.
- Pattypan Squash: Scallop-shaped, small, slightly sweet flavor, tender texture, great for roasting, grilling, or stir-fries.
- 8 Ball Zucchini (Round Zucchini): Spherical shape, smooth green skin, mild and nutty flavor, perfect for stuffing.
- Tromboncino Zucchini: Shaped like a trombone, pale green, up to 3’ long, nutty flavor, stores well.
- Yellow Zucchini: Similar to green zucchini, but with bright yellow skin, slightly sweeter, takes on the flavor of other ingredients.
- Zephyr Squash: Unique hybrid, yellow top, green bottom, similar use as other yellow squash or zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Zucchini a Fruit?
Yes, zucchini is technically a fruit, as it contains seeds and grows from a flowering plant. However, it is commonly treated and consumed as a vegetable.
Do You Peel Zucchini?
No, peeling zucchini is not necessary. The skin is edible and provides valuable fiber.
Are There Other Names for Zucchini?
Zucchini is also known as courgette (French), calabacin (Spanish), and baby marrow (South Africa).
What to Do with Overgrown Zucchini?
Overgrown zucchini, or marrow, can be used in various ways:
- Baked goods: Muffins, bread, cakes.
- Stuffed squash: Fill with savory ingredients and bake.
- Soups and stews: Adds bulk and flavor.
- Zucchini noodles: Spiralize and use as a pasta substitute.
- Pickles: Create tangy and crunchy pickled zucchini.
Conclusion
Zucchini, especially in its larger form as marrow, offers a versatile and delicious ingredient for various culinary creations. From savory dishes like stuffed squash to sweet treats like zucchini bread, this versatile vegetable provides endless possibilities for culinary exploration.
Bianco di Trieste Zucchini
This squash has gorgeous, glossy skin and is a light green color. This variety of zucchini grows to be about half the size of many longer squashes and is not very long. The Italian word for “bianco” means “white,” and Trieste is the city where this squash first gained popularity.
This zucchini is named for its dark green color. Despite their tendency to be long and thin, they can be prepared in the same way as other zucchini. When baking or air-frying zucchini, black beauty is a fantastic choice.
The most prevalent variety of zucchini in grocery stores is the traditional green variety. It is oblong or cylindrical in shape, with white flesh under a dark green coat. The traditional green zucchini is the ideal summer squash for all purposes; it works well baked, sautéed, grilled, or even fried. They are also easy to grow in a home garden. Just take care to cut them off before they get too big because the seeds get big and the skin gets tough.
What Does Zucchini Taste Like?
Zucchini has a mild flavor that seems almost sweet. The flavor isn’t particularly remarkable, but that’s what makes zucchini so beautiful. Whatever you use to cook it acquires flavor from it!
This makes zucchini the ideal pasta replacement food. Try them with this Zucchini Lasagna or make zucchini pasta with creamy avocado pesto by spiralizing your zucchini.
Zucchini was largely ignored by the French until this traditional French dish was made with it. What’s the dish called? The answer is at the bottom of the article!
How to Use Giant Zucchini? Best Overgrown Zucchini Recipes
FAQ
What are large zucchini called?
Are giant zucchini good to eat?
What is the vegetable that looks like a giant zucchini?
What to do with zucchini that grew too big?
What is another name for zucchini?
There are several other names for zucchini. The most common is “courgette”, the French word for zucchini that is commonly used around the world. In Spanish, a zucchini is called a “calabacin”. The answer is ratatouille, a popular French dish that includes zucchini! See our version of ratatouille (or tian provencal) here.
Will eating zucchini help people gain weight?
Eating zucchini probably won’t help you gain weight. Zucchini is a low energy density vegetable, which means that it is low in calories (17 kilocalories per 100 grams). However, it depends on what other foods it is combined with or prepared with. If it is consumed with more energy dense foods such as cheeses, eggs, creams, it could help gain weight. If you need to gain weight, the most appropriate thing to do would be to receive personalized advice from a nutritionist.
What is a round zucchini?
Round zucchini is an ideal variety if you have a small space for growing. These compact bush heirlooms produce lovely 3” round zucchini fruits that have green skin and pale yellow flesh. They are fast-growing and produce great yields in small spaces or a container. Round zucchini plants take only 45 days to mature from seed.
What is the longest zucchini in the world?
Over-ripe zucchini and those past their prime can be bitter, but that didn’t stop a New York gardener from growing the world’s longest zucchini—a whopping 69 and a half inches! Newer varieties include the golden zucchini and the globe or round zucchini. The golden variety is somewhat milder in taste than the dark green.