Not only can you eat zucchini flowers, but they are also a great way to add a bit of extra nutrition to your plate. Unlike some other edible flowers, which can be slightly bitter or hot, zucchini flowers are tasty and on the mild side. There are several ways that you can eat the flowers, such as stuffing them with your favorite stuffing and frying them or adding them to your favorite salads, including both raw and cooked salads. The yellow zucchini flowers also look great when used as decorations on cakes or in soups.
Although they are very similar in appearance, there are two types of zucchini flowers known as the male and female. One of the differences between them is that the male grows on a slightly longer stem than the female. Both flowers and all parts of the flowers are edible, including the pistil and stamen, which are enclosed within the petals.
Zucchini blossoms can sometimes be obtained at a local farmer's market but can also be picked fresh from the garden. The best time to pick them is early in the morning as that is when they are the freshest. The male flowers do not produce zucchinis, but they are required for the pollination of the female flowers. Therefore, when picking them from the garden, make sure to leave enough of them to support pollination. In regards to the female flowers, they should be picked before they begin to produce.
Preparing zucchini flowers is very easy as all you do is cut off the stems and, with a clean towel, remove any debris. You can then cut the flowers up as desired and toss them in with your favorite salads. Another way is to leave them whole and use them as decorations on desserts and other dishes. Cooking with zucchini flowers is easy as well because they go in stir-fries along with zucchini, onions, and other vegetables.
Even though zucchini flowers are delicate, they can be stuffed and fried with just about any type of stuffing, such as cheese or anchovies. Simply open the blossoms, being careful not to tear the petals. Depending on your preference, you can remove the inside in order to make more room for the stuffing, or you can leave it intact. Whatever stuffing you choose, make sure to leave enough room at the top in order to twist the petals closed. This ensures that the stuffing remains within the flowers as they are dipped in the batter and fried.