If you haven't heard of this before it may sound a bit odd, but I assure you eating these tasty blossoms is a treat! If you happen to grow your own
zucchini (also known as
courgette or
summer squash) or know someone who does organically, you'll have an abundant supply of blossoms and a new favorite appetizer to add to your repertoire. Today, I'm going to show you
how to pick and prepare zucchini blossoms for eating.
Over the past month or two, I've been experimenting with balcony gardening and all the ways to enjoy the small harvest it provides. Part of this for me was understanding how to make the most out of every plant I chose to grow including: strawberries, peas, zucchini, arugula, garlic, basil and tiny tomatoes. After my zucchini plants started producing blossoms, I noticed not all the blossoms produce fruit. They would blossom in the morning and close up in the evening and fall off in the following days. I had heard that you could eat the blossoms, so I thought why let them go to waste?
It turns out zucchini blossoms are a bit of a delicacy. You may get lucky and find fresh zucchini blossoms at a local farmer's market but because they are fragile and not easily stored and shipped they generally can't be found in the grocery store. I suggest using organically grown blossoms that haven't come into contact with any harsh chemical sprays. Try growing your own or sourcing them from a friend's backyard garden.
It's important to learn the difference between the male and female blossoms of your zucchini plant. The males have a slender stem, where as the females have a small zucchini starting to form where the stem should be. While both are edible, if you eat the female flowers you won't have any actual zucchini to eat later on. Pick a handful of male or excess female blossoms and let's get started!
 |
| {Male | Female} |
Cut the male blossoms with about an inch of stem still attached and the female blossoms with the entire baby zucchini still attached. I like to do this in the morning when the blossoms are open. Prepare a bowl of cold water and tray with paper towel.
Next, rinse the blossoms in the cold water. Be sure to inspect for bugs too! Gently shake any excess water from the blossom and place on tray. There is no need to remove the anthers or stigma from the inside of the flower, but you may do so if you like. Repeat this process for each blossom. You can store your tray of blossoms in the fridge for up to 24 hours with a second sheet of paper towel on top.
STUFFED ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS
Ingredients:
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1/8 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 3 large zucchini blossoms
- 6 teaspoons of feta, crumbled
- 4 tiny tomatoes, cut finely
- 4 fresh basil leaves, cut finely
- Approximately, 2 Tablespoons organic coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Mix together flour and water and stir until smooth. Using a fork, beat in egg and set aside. This is your thin batter.
2. Mixed together feta, tiny tomatoes, and basil. This is your filling. (Note: this should be enough to fill 3 large blossoms. If you have more blossoms add approximately 1-2 teaspoons of feta, 1 tomato, and 1 basil leaf per blossom. Your batter will coat at least 8 blossoms)
3. Heat coconut oil in a small sauce pan on medium heat. You should have approximately 1/2 inch of oil in your pan, add more as needed. Fill each blossom with your filling, leaving enough room for the petals of the blossom to close. You may want to twist the petals slightly to keep the filling from spilling out.
4. Dip one blossom into the batter, giving it a thin coat. Place the blossom in the oil, turning occasionally until golden. Approximately 2 minutes. Place on paper towel. Repeat this process for each blossom.
5. Eat and enjoy!
After discovering this tasty treat this past week, I knew I had to share it with you. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my husband and I have. Its a great snack or addition to just about any meal. If you like this post, share it on Pinterest or tweet it on Twitter. Let everyone know how tasty zucchini blossoms are!
Here We Come-A-Chevroning Christmas Stocking pattern works up quick into a large stocking. It's a modern take on a classic Christmas stocking. Great to fill with goodies this holiday. Visit my ravelry store to get your copy now! Can't wait to see what colour combos you come up with. Be sure to post your finished projects to your ravelry account so I see all your wonderful creations!
