Fried Zucchini Flowers
The best part of early summer is all the good food you can grow in the garden. One of my favorite vegetables are zucchini. If you didn’t know before then you will know now that the flowers it produces are editable as well and taste so good. In Italian they are called “Fiori di Zucca Fritti” These flowers are a vibrant yellow/gold in color and typically it is the male flowers that are used. Yes…these flowers have a gender. Males are long and slim with a stamen in the center to attract pollinators and females are small, immature zucchini at the base of the flower, where it connects to the stem. Zucchini grows from the female flower only. Both can be eaten though.
A bit of history…
This tradition stems back to the ancient Roman days. It was important to use all the plant that was editable and have nothing go to waste. These days the flowers are considered a seasonal summer appetizer delicacy. It is said that the tradition of using all the plants began in the Jewish part of Roman empire known as the Jewish Ghetto. Using the flower of the zucchini is used in many parts of the world and cultures today.
How to make them…
Truly an easy recipe and you can find many variations of how to enjoy this delicacy food. In my home we do it simple.
Recipe
Zucchini flowers
All purpose flour
Eggs
Olive Oil for frying
wash the flower and ensure no dirt or bugs in the plant and remove the stamen from the plant.
depending how many flowers you have will depend on how much egg and flour you will need
make an egg wash by mixing your eggs and place in bowl/plate big enough to soak the flowers
then dip flower covered in egg into flour to coat all sides
in a heated olive oil filled pan add the fully coated zucchini flour and fry on both sides until a golden brown. They cook super fast so keep attention on them. Also make sure olive oil is not too hot as it’s smoke point is 350F. I suggest medium heat.
Once all cooked then you can enjoy
Tip: Cook the flowers the same day you pick them, ideally in the morning and right after picking
There are variations to this recipe that others follow such as using sparkling water in the flour to create like a pancake batter. Also some stuff the zucchini flour with ricotta cheese mixture. There are so many ways to enjoy them.
So try something new! Grow some zucchini and harvest the flowers or visit your local Italian market and see if they sell the flowers. Life can be an adventure right inside your home in your kitchen. Find a recipe that looks delicious and re-create it in your kitchen. Let your mouth explore the foods of the world.
“Often you will end up loving the new things you try and even if you don’t love it, you’ve given yourself a new experience.”
