Growing up, My mother would always be in the garden. If you’re familiar with gardening in BC, you know how chaotic zucchini season is, with gardeners begging everyone to take some off their hands. Since there is only so much zucchini bread that can be made, my family would slice it up and eat it like cucumber slices. It was only when I started living with roommates that I realized it’s not super common. As a student, I feel that raw zucchini is something others should try, and here is why.
- It’s cheap!
-
Zucchini is a broke student’s best friend. As one of the cheapest produce options you can get, it’s great for obtaining some fresh vegetables without going over the budget.
- It’s an easy snack for students on the go
-
The mornings can be the worst for meal prep. While groggily searching the fridge for a packable lunch and study snacks, the zucchini you were planning to cook can easily be sliced up like a cucumber and packed in your lunch. A bonus: zucchini isn’t as damp as cucumber, so there’s no mess! With some hummus, tzatziki, or another dip of your choice, you are on the way to having some protein and greens as a midday snack.
- Save time on cooking!
-
I agree that cooked zucchini is amazing, but sometimes midterms and finals get in the way of making dinner. With raw zucchini, it can be made in minutes, providing healthy nutrients (that aren’t cooked away – win!) while you have limited time.
- It actually tastes good (trust me on this one)
-
When I tell people that they should try eating their zucchini raw, many are concerned about the taste. To me, it tastes like a less-flavourful version of a cucumber. That may not sound appetizing, but it makes the veggie perfect for pairing with other dips and snacks!
Have you tried raw zucchini? Are you wondering why you just read an article ranting about zucchini? Try it once, you won’t regret it!