Are you looking for a low-calorie vegetable to add to your meals? Look no further than baby summer squash! With only 10 calories in a half cup (65 g), it's a great way to add nutrients without the extra calories.
But that's not all - baby summer squash is also rich in nutrients like vitamin C and potassium, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.
In this article, we'll explore the reasons why baby summer squash is a great vegetable to incorporate into your meals.
Low in Calories
One of the biggest benefits of baby summer squash is its low calorie count. As we mentioned before, a half cup (65 g) only contains 10 calories, making it a great way to add nutrients to your meals without the added calories. If you're looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, adding baby summer squash to your diet is a great way to do so.
Rich in Nutrients
In addition to being low in calories, baby summer squash is also rich in nutrients. A half cup (65 g) contains 20% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 6% of your daily recommended intake of potassium. These nutrients are important for immune function and heart health, making baby summer squash a great addition to your diet.
Easy to Grow
If you're looking to grow your own vegetables, baby summer squash is a great option. It's easy to grow and doesn't require a lot of space. In fact, you can even grow it in a container on your balcony or patio. All you need is some potting soil, fertilizer, and water!
Great for Grilling
One of the best ways to prepare baby summer squash is by grilling it. It's a great addition to any summer barbecue and adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. To grill baby summer squash, simply slice it lengthwise, brush it with olive oil, and grill it for a few minutes on each side until it's tender and slightly charred.
Versatile in Cooking
Baby summer squash is also incredibly versatile in cooking. You can add it to soups, stews, casseroles, and more. It's a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your favorite dishes.
Pairs Well With Other Vegetables
Another benefit of baby summer squash is that it pairs well with other vegetables. You can add it to salads, stir-fries, and pasta dishes for added flavor and nutrients. Try pairing it with other summer vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn for a colorful and flavorful dish.
Adds Texture to Salads
If you're looking to add some texture to your salads, baby summer squash is a great option. Its firm texture adds a nice crunch to any salad. You can slice it thin or chop it into bite-sized pieces for a colorful and nutritious addition to your salad.
Mild and Sweet Flavor
Baby summer squash has a mild and sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of other flavors. It's not overpowering, making it a great addition to any dish. If you're looking for a vegetable that's flavorful but not too strong, baby summer squash is a great option.
Available All Year Round
Unlike some other summer vegetables, baby summer squash is available all year round. You can find it at your local grocery store or farmer's market, no matter the season. This makes it a great vegetable to add to your meals any time of year.
Finally, baby summer squash is great for promoting digestive health. It's high in fiber, which helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation. It's also low in FODMAPs, making it a good option for those with digestive issues like IBS.
"Adding vegetables like baby summer squash to your meals is an easy way to add nutrients and flavor without the extra calories."
5 FAQ About Baby Summer Squash
1. What is baby summer squash?
Baby summer squash is a type of squash that is harvested when it is still young and small. It is also known as young summer squash or tender summer squash.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of baby summer squash?
Baby summer squash is low in calories and high in nutrients including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber.
3. How can I prepare baby summer squash?
Baby summer squash can be cooked in a variety of ways including grilling, sautéing, roasting or even eaten raw in salads. It can also be stuffed or used as a pizza topping.
4. How can I choose the best baby summer squash?
When choosing baby summer squash, look for squash that is firm, shiny and free from blemishes or soft spots. It should also be small in size and have a bright green color.
5. What are some recipes that use baby summer squash?
Some recipes that use baby summer squash include grilled summer squash with lemon and mint, roasted summer squash with Parmesan cheese, and sautéed summer squash with garlic and herbs.