Natural Cook Studio of Bend

Thanks to southern Italians immigrating to the US, the seeds of this welcome summer vegetable have flourished. This tender, brightly colored summer vegetable comes in a variety of fanciful shapes. Summer squash are a subset of squashes that are harvested when immature (while the rind is still tender and edible). The watery summer squashes and zucchini have a cooling, refreshing property that helps to overcome summer heat. The powerful antioxidants found in summer squash, like vitamin C and beta carotene, have potent anti-inflammatory properties? Antioxidants help combat free radical activity, which can damage cell structures including DNA. By doing so, antioxidants boost immunity and help reduce risk of cancer and heart disease. To maximize the nutrients you derive from different types of summer squash, such as zucchini, purchase organically grown varieties whenever possible, so you can enjoy the entire squash—skin, seeds and flesh.  When summer squash is over three inches long it is usually more flavorful when cooked, try them in your next stir fry.

In Health,

Lisa