It is eaten either raw or cooked. It is a high source of minerals, vitamins, and fibre. It is encouraged by nutritionists and dieticians that vegetables should be eaten by humans at least four to five times a day.
Key Takeaways
- Zucchini is a type of summer squash with a green or yellow color and a slightly sweet taste. In contrast, squash is a general term for a group of vegetables that includes zucchini and other varieties such as acorn and butternut squash.
- Zucchini has thin, edible skin, while other types of squash may have tougher skin that needs to be peeled.
- Zucchini is lower in calories and carbohydrates than other types of squash, making it a popular choice for those on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
Zucchini vs Squash
The difference between zucchini and squash is that Zucchini is also called summer squash. Squash, with other four species, belongs to the genus of Cucurbita. Squash can be stored for a longer period than zucchini. Zucchini is grown in the northern region of America called Mesoamerica. While squash is cultivated exclusively in Milan, Italy, and its origin is believed to be in Mexico.
When it becomes fully mature, its length grows up to 1 metre or 3 feet. For cooking purposes, zucchini that are soft and immature is used as it provides a sweeter flavour.
All of these are winter squash, which means that they can be stored for a longer time. Squash is very rich in nutrients, especially in Vitamin A & C.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Zucchini | Squash |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mesoamerica | Southern Mexico |
| Harvesting | Late summer in August and September. | Late fall in October or November. |
| Health Benefits | It helps to produce collagen, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. | Lower cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, aids digestion etc. |
| Culinary uses | Steamed, baked, barbecued, broiled, grilled, fried | served fresh, such as in salads, stuffed and cooked. |
| Also known as | Courgette | Marrows |
What is Zucchini?
Zucchini is known by different names in English. Sometimes, it is called baby marrow, small marrow or courgette. Courgette and zucchini have come from the one word only meaning ‘gourd’.
Zucchini, consisting of a fresh flower, is used for cooking because of its sweet flavour. Zucchini are cooked before serving, just like cucumber.
The flavour of zucchini is very delicate, and cooking it with olive oil or in butter requires a little extra timing. It can also be eaten in the form of hot salad or cold salad, raw, shredded and sliced.
What is Squash?
Squash is cultivated as vegetables and for feeding livestock. It is a flowering plant belonging to the genus of Cucurbita. From ancient times, it has been cultivated by people even before the European settlement.
They are fruits but are cooked in the form of vegetables. Summer Squash and Winter squash are their two variety. Zucchini is also a type of summer squash. Winter squash is harvested and grown fully till it becomes mature.
It is served fresh like in salad, stuffing and can be cooked. Depending upon its type, it can also be baked into pies from savoury to sweet. Cultivation of squash takes place at a very late time of the year, i.e. during October and November.
Main Differences Between Zucchini and Squash
- Culinary uses of Zucchini are it can be steamed, baked, barbecued, broiled, grilled, or fried. Culinary uses of Squash are it is served fresh, such as in salads, stuffed and cooked.
- Zucchini is also known as Courgette, baby marrows, etc. Squash is also known as marrows.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1534580707001475
- https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19912306165
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