Zucchini is a staple in the vegetable gardens of many people. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Most years, a single zucchini plant can produce more zucchini than one person may be able to eat. In fact, people sometimes even give the stuff away to keep it from going to waste. But, if your garden or your aging relative’s garden is producing tons of the green squash, it’s good news. That’s because there are almost as many reasons to love zucchini as there are zucchini. Here are just a few.

Zucchini is Nutritious

Zucchini contains vitamins C, K, and B-6. It’s also a good source of folate, fiber, and even contains a little protein. In addition, there are several minerals, including potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and copper. With so much nutrition, zucchini makes an excellent choice to include in a healthy diet for older adults.

Zucchini is Low in Calories

Zucchini is low in both calories and carbohydrates. A medium-sized zucchini has only 31 calories and 7 grams of carbohydrates. And, there is no fat or cholesterol. Because it is low in calories and carbs, it’s even a good choice for diabetic seniors.

Zucchini is Versatile

Zucchini is one of those vegetables that you can use in many different ways. Zucchini can be made into “zoodles” and used as a low-carb, low-calorie substitute for pasta. You can use it in baking to add extra nutrition to sweets. It makes a great quick bread but can also be used in chocolate cake and other desserts. You can even make zucchini butter to spread on toast. Or, you can simply sauté it. You can even eat it raw with hummus or other dips.

Zucchini Can Be Frozen

When your older family member starts to get a little sick of zucchini, it can be frozen for use during the cold winter months when they can no longer pick it out of the garden. To freeze zucchini, simply cut it into the desired shape, blanche it, and put it in the freezer.

Zucchini Can Be Pickled

Zucchini can be used in place of cucumbers to make pickles and relishes. You can use it to make sweet pickles, refrigerator pickles, or dill pickles. Zucchini pickles and relish can be used in the same ways that you would use regular pickles, such as on sandwiches, hamburgers, or hot dogs.

If your aging relative’s garden is producing a zucchini overload, an elderly care provider can assist them with finding uses for it. An elderly care provider can help them to prepare healthy meals using the vegetable. If they don’t have a recipe on hand, an elderly care provider can help them search the Internet for one. Elderly care providers can also assist with chopping, blanching, freezing, and canning the zucchini.

Sources

https://www.livestrong.com/article/334127-the-health-benefits-of-zucchini/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/239662-the-nutritional-value-of-zucchini/
https://www.thekitchn.com/10-things-to-do-with-zucchini-that-arent-zucchini-bread-recipes-from-the-kitchn-194459
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/garden-to-table/freezing-zucchini-a-great-way-to-chill-out
http://foodinjars.com/2012/08/six-ways-to-preserve-zucchini/

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Purcellville, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.