1 medium cooked summer squash (from fresh) contains approximately 130 calories. Summer squash is a common vegetable in many households and can add flavor and nutrition to any dish.
Summer squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. It is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of summer squash, how to cook it, and some delicious recipe ideas that will make you want to eat it all year long!
Calories in Medium Cooked Summer Squash
As mentioned earlier, 1 medium cooked summer squash contains approximately 130 calories. This makes it a low-calorie vegetable that can help with weight loss or weight maintenance. It's worth noting that the exact number of calories in summer squash can vary depending on the type of squash and how it's prepared. For example, baking, grilling, or boiling summer squash can affect its calorie count. However, overall, summer squash is a healthy choice for anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious vegetable to add to their meals.
Benefits of Summer Squash
Summer squash has many health benefits that make it a great addition to any diet. Some of the benefits of summer squash include: - It's a good source of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and immune function. - It contains potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
How to Cook Summer Squash
There are many ways to cook summer squash, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular methods include: - Grilling: Grilled summer squash has a smoky flavor and can be served as a tasty side dish or mixed into salads or pasta dishes. - Roasting: Roasting summer squash brings out its sweet flavor and can be done in the oven or on the grill.
Different Varieties of Summer Squash
Summer squash comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique taste, texture, and color. Some of the most popular varieties include: - Zucchini: Zucchini is a popular type of summer squash that is commonly used in salads, soups, and casseroles. - Yellow squash: Yellow squash is similar to zucchini but has a sweeter flavor and a more tender texture.
Summer Squash Health Benefits
In addition to its vitamins and minerals, summer squash has many health benefits that make it a great vegetable to add to your diet. Some of the health benefits of summer squash include: - It can help improve digestion and relieve constipation due to its high fiber content. - It contains antioxidants that can help protect against certain types of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Summer Squash Recipe Ideas
Summer squash can be enjoyed in many different ways, from simple side dishes to more complex meals. Some delicious summer squash recipe ideas include: - Zucchini and summer squash lasagna - Grilled summer squash with garlic and herbs
Summer Squash vs Zucchini
Summer squash and zucchini are often used interchangeably in recipes, but they are actually two different types of squash. Here are some of the main differences between the two: - Shape: Zucchini is typically longer and narrower than summer squash, which is usually round or slightly oblong. - Color: Zucchini is usually green, while summer squash can come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, and white.
Nutritional Value of Summer Squash
In addition to its low calorie count, summer squash is also a good source of several important nutrients. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of 1 cup of cooked summer squash: - calories: 36 - Fiber: 2.5 grams
Summer Squash Storage
Summer squash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and should be kept in a plastic bag or container to prevent moisture loss. If you have a surplus of summer squash, you can also freeze it for later use.
Summer Squash Season
Summer squash is typically in season from late spring to early fall, depending on where you live. During this time, you can usually find a variety of fresh summer squash at your local farmer's market, grocery store, or even in your own garden.
Eating summer squash can help you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Medium Cooked Summer Squash
What is summer squash?
Summer squash belongs to the gourd family and is typically smaller and more tender than winter squash. It has a thin edible skin and soft seeds, making it easy to cook and eat.
How do you cook summer squash?
Summer squash can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, sautéing, and boiling. To cook medium cooked summer squash, slice it into rounds and either sauté it in a pan with some oil or boil it in water until tender.
What are the health benefits of summer squash?
Summer squash is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
Can summer squash be eaten raw?
Yes, summer squash can be eaten raw. It can be sliced thinly and added to salads or eaten as a snack with hummus or other dips.
What dishes can I make with medium cooked summer squash?
There are many dishes you can make with medium cooked summer squash, including sautéed squash with garlic and herbs, summer squash hash, or roasted summer squash and zucchini with parmesan cheese. It can also be added to pasta dishes, soups, and stews.