2016 was one wacky year. Our American nation is left with many thoughts and questions as we head into 2017. But today, I hope to answer one of the most pressing questions. The one on everyone’s mind as we head into this new year.
Kale had its moment in 2014. Fermented foods took the spotlight in 2015. Seaweed made its rise to fame in 2016. Persimmon also held ground in 2016. But what will be the trendy, Instagram-worthy, sexy vegetable of 2017?
Oh yes, zucchini is the newest sexy vegetable of 2017, and here’s why.
It’s a fighter
Just one cup of Zucchini provides you with nutrients armed to protect you and fight for you. Zucchini has high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Fiber, and Potassium.
Vitamin C fights off colds, lowers blood pressure and defends against clogged arteries while keeping the immune system healthy. Vitamin A helps active cell development in eyes, while defending them from age-related problems. Fiber is, of course, the anti-constipation warrior, keeping things moving.
Artists, meet your new blank canvas
Zucchini is basically tasteless!! This is a positive attribute because it creates a blank canvas on which you can place any flavor. It works great with Asian flavors, hummus, lemon and garlic, spaghetti sauce, Thai flavors, and more!
Zucchini or linguine?
Zoodles are the key to happiness with zucchini! Zoodles are zucchini noodles, made with a spiralizer. (No, a spiralizer isn’t a torture device like it sounds. Well, maybe it is for zucchini…) When cooked, zoodles act just like normal pasta noodles, and taste good too!
You can enjoy any of your favorite pasta recipes, minus the massive amounts of carbohydrates, plus the nutrients of zucchini. In addition, you can have another piece of bread with your “spaghetti!” And who doesn’t want that!? Try this recipe and you will totally understand.
Salty stuff
Not only can zucchini replace your noodles, it can also replace your chips and fries! Think about those thinly sliced zucchinis, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, or strips of zucchini breaded and baked to perfection. Mmmmmhmmm. Zucchini chips and fries give you the crunch and saltiness you crave, but without all the fat of that usually comes with those treats!
Baked goods
Zucchini is great to bake with! Zucchini keeps baked goods moist while adding all the great nutrients mentioned above.
We all know the classic zucchini bread, but did you know that you can use zucchini to make brownies, cake, cookies, pancakes and even whoopie pie! Yes, the options are endless.
Produce pseudonym
I know this is supposed to be a blog about the sexy vegetable of 2017… but surprise, zucchini is a fruit! Just like tomatoes, zucchini comes from a flower. Zucchini are culinary vegetables but botanical fruit.
Delightful dinner discussions
Zucchini guarantee that there will be no more awkward silences or political debates at the dinner table. The question on everyone’s mind and the focus of all conversation will be “what the heck is the plural of zucchini!?” Is it zucchini? Zucchinis? Zucchina? Zucchini (pronounced “eye”)?
Have fun figuring that one out!
We like to party!
Zucchini has its very own day! August 8th is National Zucchini Day! Put it on your calendar, purchase some zucchini apparel, choose your favorite recipe, and get ready to party!
#hashtagsyouneedtoknow
Because all sexy vegetables need their own hashtag.
#noonecanresistanoodle
#culinaryvegetable
#botanicalfruit
#zucchinis
#sexyvegetable2017
#sheworeanitsybitsyteenyweenyyellowpolkadotzucchini
