The zucchini, or squash as it is also referred to, is native to the Americas. Christopher Columbus originally brought seeds to the Mediterranean region and Africa. The Italians cultivated many varieties, and zucchini comes from the Italian name zucchina.In Greece, zucchini is usually fried and accompanied with skordalia; steamed; stuffed with rice and meat; or braised with other vegetables, meat or poultry. It is served as a mezze or as a main dish, especially during fasting seasons.
The zucchini flowers are also stuffed the same way as dolmades.
Of course, where would one of the Greek national dishes “mousaka” be without this humble addition?
There are hundreds of keftedes or fritters made in Greece. Every region has its own fritter and this is one of my favourites.
The zucchini is also high in folate, potassium and vitamin A.