ORIGIN OF ZUCCHINI
Cucurbita pepo var. cylindricaZucchini,
Cucurbita pepo, is a member of the cucumber and melon family.
Inhabitants of Central and South America have been eating zucchini for several
thousand years, but the zucchini we know today is a variety of summer squash
developed in Italy.
The word zucchini comes
from the Italian zucchino, meaning a small squash. The term squash
comes from the Indian skutasquash meaning "green thing eaten
green."
BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION OF
ZUCCHINI
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C. pepo
Cucurbita pepo var.
cylindricaZucchini
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ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Site and Temperature
Zucchini requires at least 50
days of frost-free weather to produce mature fruits. Temperatures above 60
degrees Fahrenheit result in healthy, quick growth. Growing sites must provide
at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; zucchini doesn't produce well in
the shade. Planting near a south-facing wall will maximize sun exposure and
covering the garden bed with black plastic helps raise soil temperatures
throughout the growing season.
MANAGEMENT
Soil
Beds with well-drained soil
provide an optimum zucchini site. Well-drained soil retains moisture so it
doesn't dry completely, but it also drains the excess so it doesn't become
soggy or waterlogged. Zucchini plants require a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5,
which is standard in most established gardens, but you can perform a soil test
with a testing kit to verify your soil's pH before planting. Working a 2-inch
layer of compost into the soil before you plant can improve drainage while
providing natural nutrients for the zucchini plants.
Fertilizer
Although zucchini can grow
well in rich soil amended with compost, most garden beds require additional
fertilization for best production. Applying 2 cups of 16-16-8 fertilizer per 50
square feet of garden before you plant supplies initial nutrients. Work the
fertilizer into the soil with the compost. Zucchini benefits from additional
nitrogen once it begins producing vines and flowers. Place 1 tablespoon of a
nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as a 21-0-0 blend, 6 inches away from the base
of each zucchini plant and scratch it into the top 1 or 2 inches of soil.
Water
Even moisture prevents plant stress
and helps the zucchini remain healthy and productive. Zucchini requires about 1
inch of water weekly, from rain or irrigation. Plants have received about 1
inch of water when the top 6 inches of soil feels moist after watering.
Watering deeply once or twice weekly allows the moisture to penetrate
throughout the root zone. Avoid overhead watering. This results in wet foliage,
which is more prone to fungal diseases. Spacing plants 2 feet apart in rows
further minimizes fungal issues by allowing air to circulate freely around the
plants.
Pest and disease control
Management of any
disease during wet weather is going to be very difficult, especially if the
grower is unable to get access to the crop. If a fungicide can be applied,
there is the increased risk that subsequent rain events will wash the product
off the plant especially if it is only a protectant.
Not all fungicides will
have a systemic action so take care when selecting a fungicide.
Crop hygiene is
important to reduce or prevent disease spread. Physical contact of equipment
and people can transfer diseases through a crop, particularly bacterial and
fungal leaf diseases.
Risk of transfer of
bacteria is greater if the crop is wet. Similarly, transfer of soilborne
diseases will occur in mud attached to equipment or shoes. To reduce these
risks, ensure equipment is cleaned if moving between an affected crop and other
crops or properties. Removal and destruction of old crops prevents build-up of
disease inoculum thus helping to protect subsequent crops.
Movement of surface
water across blocks, farms or districts increases the risk of movement of
soilborne diseases (example Fusarium). If you know of previously affected areas
on your property, be aware that any areas downstream may now also be affected.
If you are direct seeding, damp or watersoaked areas will be more prone to
damping off diseases such as pythium and rhizoctonia
If you have affected
plants, do not wait for disease symptoms to appear on your remaining plants.
Instead, apply a protectant spray as a precaution as soon as possible. Good
spray coverage when applying a protectant (example copper) is needed for
effective control. A spray-tank adjuvant will help with this. Your local
chemical supplier or contacts listed at the end of this note may assist you in
chemical selection.
Common cucurbit diseases
that need to be managed are:
· · Downy mildew
· · Gummy stem
blight/Fruit etch
· · Bacterial leaf
spot
· · Soft rot
· · Bacterial fruit
blotch
· · Fungal leaf spots
· · White mould/nest
· · Damping-off
Copper sprays are the
only products registered for control of bacterial diseases.
Monitor for pests and
apply chemicals to control them as necessary. Fruit fly may be more active in
moist, humid conditions.
Always read the label before
applying a chemical. When spraying crops close to harvest remember to maintain
the cure
When
to harvest Zucchini
Pick
It: About 45-55 days after you plant, you should notice your plants
starting to bloom. Make sure to look under the big leaves, as it’s easy
for zucchini to “hide!” The early, small squash (about 6 inches) are the most
tender and flavorful, and picking frequently can lead to a larger crop.
Zucchini squash can also get quite large, and you might be amazed at how
quickly they grow! Cut your squash from the vine with a sharp knife, and store
unwashed in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
USES OF ZUCCHIN
1. Lowers Cholesterol:
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The
dietary fiber contained in zucchini helps in lowering the cholesterol levels in
the system by attaching itself with the bile acids that are produced by the
liver for digesting fat.
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This
fiber mixes with bile acid, thus slowing down its ability to digest more fat
and carging the liver to produce more bile acids.
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More
cholesterol is used up by the liver in the production of bile acids which
results in lowering cholesterol levels in the body (2).
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The
high levels of Vitamins A and C prevent the cholesterol from oxidizing in the
blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
2. Helps in Weight Management:
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Zucchini
is effective for weight management due to its healthy combination of high fiber
and moisture content and a low calorie
content.
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It
is beneficial for weight management as it controls your appetite by filling you
up with water and fiber. Thus, you can have larger servings of zucchini and
still keep your caloric intake low.
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The
high dietary fiber (3)
on the other hand enables you to shed extra pounds as it helps to burn more
calories than you consume.
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Zucchini
is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin A and C and dietary fiber, you can
effectively lose weight by consuming it without depriving your body of vital
nutrients.
3. Cardiovascular Health:
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Zucchini
has high magnesium content with one cup providing over 10% of the RDA. This
mineral reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Zucchini
also contains folic acid, a vitamin that is required to break down the
dangerous amino acid, homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine in your blood
can cause heart attack and thrombosis i.e. blood clotting.
4. Prevents Cancer:
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The
high levels of fiber in zucchini prevent carcinogenic toxins from settling in
the colon as well as promote healthy and regular bowel movements.
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Vitamins
A and C are strong anti-oxidizing agents that destroy the carcinogens which can
lead to different types of malignant cancers (4).
5. Beneficial in Diabetes:
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The
abundance of Vitamin B complex in zucchini benefits diabetics. Diabetes is
caused due to the inability of the body to metabolize and regulate the level of
sugar in your blood (5).
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There
are many types of diabetes and zucchini is particularly effective in warding
off type-2 diabetes.
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The
B complex vitamins, in the presence of zinc and magnesium help in breaking down
the sugar in your body whereas fiber and pectin are vital in regulating
the blood sugar levels. This combination of Vitamin B, folates and
fiber goes a long way in keeping type-2 diabetes at bay.
6. Maintains Eye Health:
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Zucchini
vegetable is a great source
of Vitamin A which is beneficial for eye health.
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Vitamin C
along with beta carotene, zinc and manganese acts as an antioxidant to protect
your eyes.
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Zucchini
helps in developing the cells of your eyes, thus improving your vision.
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It
can also be used externally to remove puffy bags around your eyes which can be
caused due to excessive water retention
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Zucchini
has a high water content that helps in removing the swelling around your eyes
7. Lowers Blood Pressure:
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Potassium
and magnesium found in zucchini help in lowering blood pressure levels in the
body. Regular consumption of zucchini benefits those suffering from
hypertension or high blood pressure
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High
blood pressure, if left unchecked can lead to arteriosclerosis (hardening of
blood vessels), heart attack, stroke and other medical conditions.
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Both
potassium and magnesium are effective in alleviating stress on the body’s
circulatory system.
8. Promotes Prostate Health:
The phytonutrients in zucchini
help in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH). This is a
condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to
complications with urination and sexual functions
9. Prevents Gout:
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Gout
is a painful condition of the inflammation of the joints, caused due to
excessive uric acid in the body. Zucchini is a rich source of
Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory carotenoids that can
counter the effects of excessive uric acid.
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Gout
affects your knees and feet and often results in difficulties in walking. Its
treatment requires a strict diet control which includes an increased
consumption of fruits and vegetables and zero intake of red meat and fatty
foods. The alkaline property of zucchini acts against the uric acid in your
joints, thus relieving its symptoms.
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Zucchini
also contains powerful antioxidant vitamins, A and C which along with copper
prevent the development of many hyper-inflammatory disorders like asthma,
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
10. Benefits of Manganese:
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Manganese
is an essential nutrient and trace mineral which provides many health benefits
and facilitates normal physiological functions. A cup of zucchini provides 19%
of the RDA of manganese
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This
mineral helps to metabolize proteins and carbohydrates, and is involved in the
production of sex hormones and catalyzes the synthesis of fatty acids and
cholesterol.
It also increases the levels
of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that provides protection against
oxidative stress.
Skin Benefits of Zucchini:
Fruits and vegetables are
loaded with nutrients and hence are good for your skin. Zucchini is rich in
Vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants which can benefit your skin in many
ways.
11. Hydrates your Skin:
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Zucchini
has a high water content which hydrates your skin. Water in general is
beneficial for your skin as it flushes out toxins from your system.
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Regular
consumption of zucchini helps restore the moisture of your skin, providing you
with a glowing skin.
12. Anti-ageing Benefits:
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Zucchini
is a good source of Vitamins A and C which are powerful antioxidants. Vitamin A
helps in
maintaining a healthy skin whereas Vitamin C fights the harmful free
radicals.
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These
free radicals are responsible for causing ageing of the skin, resulting in the
appearance of spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Eating zucchini can prevent these
signs of ageing to a significant extent
13. Aids in Collagen
Formation:
Manganese contained in
zucchini is essential for
the production of choline, the amino acid which is involved in
collagen formation, thus facilitating healthy skin and proper wound healing
14. Treatment of Puffy Eyes:
External application of
zucchini helps to remove puffy bags around your eyes. These are caused due to
excessive water retention and the high water content in zucchini helps in
reducing swelling around your eyes.
Hair Benefits of Zucchini:
Just like the rest of the body,
proper nutrition is a prerequisite of healthy hair. Inadequate nutrition is
often the root cause of hair and scalp problems. To maintain a healthy mane,
taking a balanced diet is inevitable as the hair follicles require adequate
supply of nutrients and oxygen for their growth and maintenance. Zucchini
contributes to overall health including hair health.
15. Promotes Hair Growth:
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Zucchini
is rich in
Vitamin A and C and is beneficial for your hair.
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Vitamin
C is vital for maintaining healthy collagen in the connective tissue and around
the hair follicles.
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Vitamin
A, on the other hand, protects your hair from free radicals. Deficiency of this
vitamin can cause hair dryness.
REFERENCES
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Michael
VanderBrug, The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the
Midwest"
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"Summer Squash".
University of Illinois Extension. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
"Dizionario
d'ortografia e di pronunzia". dizionario.rai.it. Rai.
Retrieved 24 July 2016. “zucchino [+zukkìno] s. m. —
anche zucchina [+zukkìna] s. f. — sim. il cogn. Zucchini
•
Dr. D.G. Hessayon (2009). The
Vegetable and Herb Expert. London: Expert Books.
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"Baby
Marrow". AgriLink. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
•
"Panfried
chicken with baby marrow and porcini". Woolworths Taste
magazine. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
•
Teresa
A. Lust and Harry S. Paris, "Italian horticultural and culinary records of
summer squash (Cucurbita pepo Cucurbitaceae) and emergence of the
zucchini in 19th-century Milan" Annals of Botany 2016, vol. 118,
pp53-69.
•
Lust
and Paris 2016
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"Zucchini".
Merriam-Webster. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
•
Hedrick,
U.P.; Hall, F.H.; Hawthorn, L.R. & Berger, Alwin (1928). "Part 4: The
cucurbits". The
Vegetables of New York, Vol. 1. Albany: J.B. Lyon.
•
O'Neill,
Molly (August 15, 1999). "Food;
How to Stuff a Wild Zucchini". New York Times Magazine.
Retrieved September 15, 2013.
•
Zucchini
Bread Chefs. "Zucchini Bread
Recipes". Zucchini Bread Recipe Book. Retrieved
2011-10-19.
•
Kathy
Brown (2003). Edible Flowers. Anness Publishing Ltd.
•
Wainwright,
Martin (23 May 2005). "Onions
come top for British palates". The Guardian. London.
Retrieved 7 July 2011.
•
Lucas,
Brenda. "Now is
peak season for the low-cal vitamin-packed zucchini squash".
Herald-Dispatch. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
•
Ramanathan, Lavanya (13 Aug
2014). "Squash blossoms offer petal power". The Washington Post.
