If you’re trying to keep your carb count low or have a medical condition that requires you to eat low carb, you might be wondering how many carbs can be found in your favorite vegetables. Often we forget that vegetables have carbs too, not just thing like bread and rice. But in general, the carbs in vegetables are good for you.
In this article, we will look at how many carbs are in zucchini (aka courgette) and how you can incorporate it into your low-carb diet in a helpful and healthy way.
What is Zucchini?
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that is cylindrical in shape and has a smooth skin. It is a very versatile vegetable and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Zucchini is low in calories and carbs and is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
The fruit of this young plant is very similar to others you might know, like a cucumber, though the texture is more firm and the seeds are not as big. The skin, seeds, and flesh are all full of phytonutrients and you can eat them all. The only thing you need to do is cut off the tough stem.
If you’re in the UK and many parts of Europe, you know this vegetable by the name of courgette. That is the French name for what Americans call zucchini. It’s the same vegetable.
How Many Carbs Are in Zucchini?
Zucchini is a low-carbohydrate vegetable that is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making it a healthy choice for people looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
One cup of zucchini contains only 3 grams of carbohydrates. A whole large zucchini has 10 grams of carbs and 3.2 grams of fiber. If you’re keeping track of net carbs, then you can expect a whole zucchini to be 6.8 net grams of carbs.
What are the Health Benefits of Zucchini
Zucchini is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides a variety of health benefits. It is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. Zucchini is also a good source of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system, and potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure.
Additionally, zucchini is low in calories and carbs, making it a healthy choice for people looking to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
Zucchini is also a good source of protein and magnesium, providing 8% and 5% of the daily value (DV), respectively. Read about more of the benefits of zucchini on WebMD.
Tips For Cooking With Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. We use it in these delicious chocolate zucchini muffins and we love stuffed zucchini as well. Here are a few tips for cooking with zucchini:
- Zucchini can be sautéed, grilled, or roasted.
- Zucchini is a good addition to salads or stir fries.
- Zucchini can be used in place of pasta or noodles in dishes like Pesto Shrimp zucchini noodles.
- Zucchini can also be baked into desserts like zucchini bread or muffins.
- Slice zucchini thinly to make baked zucchini chips.
Storage Tips for Zucchini
Zucchini is often in abundance in the summer because many people plant it in their gardens. You can also easily get a few different types of zucchini at most farmer’s markets in the summer. That might mean that you have more than you can handle.
Here are a few tips for storage:
- Zucchini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This will slow the process of going bad, so you can extend their life for a few more days.
- Zucchini can be frozen for up to six months. This is a great way to put away your summer zucchini to use in recipes throughout the year. We use it in soups and stir frys straight out of the freezer.
- Zucchini can be peeled before freezing for easier use later.
- In most dishes where you need to use zucchini, you can use it from frozen without thawing. If you do need to thaw it, do so in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
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Laura is dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle after losing 52 pounds on the keto diet. As many of us do, she struggles with her weight and has found that one of the only diet lifestyles that allows her to maintain a healthy weight is a low-carb diet. She shares her favorite low-carb recipes here that are both easy to make and full of flavor, so you don’t even miss the carbs.