Is it OK to eat raw zucchini?

Is it OK to eat raw zucchini?

In most cases, raw zucchini is safe to eat with little to no side effects. However, you may occasionally encounter an extremely bitter one. This bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, a class of compounds found in members of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as squash, zucchini, and gourds ( 13 , 14 ).

Can you eat the whole zucchini?

Unlike winter squash, zucchini gets harvested before it matures on the vine, while its skin is still thin and tender. When cooking or eating the fruit, you don't need to peel zucchini — the skin, flowers and seeds are all edible. You'll also find this summer squash full of nutritional benefits.

Is zucchini better raw or cooked?

Raw zucchini offers a similar nutrition profile as cooked zucchini, but with less vitamin A and more vitamin C, a nutrient which tends to be reduced by cooking. Summary Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.

Can you eat small zucchini?

The Best Ways to Use Small Zucchini Whether they're shaved into ribbons, cut into thin discs, or sliced into spears, small, delicate zucchini really shine when eaten raw in salads, along with dips, or even made into a dip.