If placed side by side, you may confuse a cucumber withzucchini and vice versa. Given that both have dark green skin, are long and cylindrical, you wouldn’t be the only one to be confused. However, try using one in place of the other and you’ll realize your mistake in a second.
A favorite among those who wantto lose weight quickly, both zucchini and cucumber have a very low count on the glycemic index. Due to their high water levels, both of them are very low in sugars, carbs, and calories, but high in essential nutrients.
Well, it is hard to tell the difference between Zucchini & Cucumbervegetables are placed right next to each other they both have the exact green skin, long cylindrical shape, and pale and seedy flesh. However, the moment you touch them you will instantly realize that what might appear as twins are actually not. Cucumbers have a cold and bumpy exterior while Zucchinis have a dry and rough exterior.
Differences Between Zucchini & Cucumber
- Fruit or Vegetable:Though they may look similar, cucumbers and zucchini do not belong to the same family. Cucumbers belong to the gourd family while zucchini belongs to the Cucurbita family. Technically speaking, cucumbers are considered to be a fruit by many people. However, you wouldn’t really put a cucumber in a fruit salad.
- Know just by touching it:When you touch a cucumber, it is relatively softer as compared to a zucchini. A cucumber will also feel cool and waxy while a zucchini is more likely to feel rough and dry. Cucumbers may feel a little bumpy to touch while zucchinis are typically smoother.
- Zucchini vs Cucumber Taste:Cucumbers are generally eaten raw while zucchinis are cooked. However, cucumbers can also be cooked and zucchini may be eaten raw or pickled. Tastewise, cucumbers have a fresh taste and are juicy due to high water content. On the other hand, zucchinis have a heartier flavor and may even tend to be slightly bitter. When cooked, zucchini holds its shape better than cucumbers that wilt easily. However, zucchini softens when cooked while cucumbers will maintain a slight crunch. It is also important to note that zucchini flowers are edible while cucumber flowers are not.
- Zucchini vs Cucumber Calories:Cucumbers have a slightly lower calorific value as compared to zucchini. Zucchini is richer in vitamin B and vitamin C as compared to cucumbers. Both vegetables have relatively equal amounts of calcium but zucchini is richer than cucumbers in potassium and iron. Zucchini also has a higher amount of protein and fiber.
- Best Way to Eat Zucchini & Cucumber:Cucumbers are ideally eaten raw or pickled. A cold cucumber can be quite refreshing on a hot summer day. Cucumbers typically find themselves in salads or sandwiches. They can also be used to flavor water. On the other hand, zucchinis taste better when baked or stir-fried. Apart from being chopped and used as vegetables, zucchini isoften made into the shape of noodles that are popularly known as zoodles. Zucchini can also be shredded and baked in loaves of breadand muffins.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
FAQs
Zucchini has a thick, woody stem at the top, and a slightly soft (and often speckled) skin. Cucumbers usually have a waxier and harder skin, and often a bumpier texture. When you cut them open, you'll get a better sense of the differences.
How can you tell the difference between zucchini? ›
The easiest way to tell the two apart is color. Zucchini is generally deep green — though it can be golden yellow — while yellow squash is, well, bright yellow. Shape is another indicator. Zucchini is mainly straight, while yellow squash sports a bulbous bottom, which tapers as it gets toward the top.
Can you eat zucchini like a cucumber? ›
It's safe to eat raw zucchini. Try it with your favorite dip; leave the skin on so you get the extra fiber. It's possible to be allergic to raw zucchini, but cooking it might help some people.
Do cucumbers or zucchini have bumps? ›
Cucumbers can range from yellow-green to dark green but often have waxy, bumpy skin. The skin of zucchini is usually lightly or heavily speckled.
Why do Americans call cucumber zucchini? ›
Courgette or Zucchini
The United States inherited the Italian name, and both terms reference the summer squash. Note that the word squash refers to a fruity drink in Britain, and a mature version of the courgette fruit becomes marrow.
Which has more water, zucchini or cucumber? ›
On top of the vegetables list are cucumber and lettuce, consisting of 96 percent water. Zucchini, radish and celery are comprised of 95 percent water.
What looks like a zucchini but isn t? ›
Tatuma. This Mexican heirloom squash (also called calabacita) is firmer than other types of summer squash, but it's sweeter and more flavorful. They're usually shaped like paler green zucchini, although sometimes they're spherical.
Can I replace zucchini with cucumber? ›
Yes and no. You can only use cucumber if the recipe calls for raw zucchini. But if you're substituting for recipes that require cooked zucchinis, using cucumbers is less than ideal as they tend to get soggy when cooked. We recommend using cucumbers in salads and stir fry recipes that only require light cooking.
Is there a taste difference between zucchini and squash? ›
Besides the color, the main difference between the two vegetables is the shape. Zucchini is straight, while yellow squash has a fat bottom and tapers towards the neck. Yellow squash can also have more seeds in its flesh. Flavor-wise, both are mild-tasting with a hint of vegetable sweetness.
When should you not eat zucchini? ›
If you see mold, black spots, browning, yellowing, shriveling, or wrinkling on the skin of your zucchini, it has likely gone bad. A soft, mushy, or slimy texture also indicates spoilage. When picking zucchini at the store, look for smooth, blemish-free skin with a vibrant dark green color.
Yes, it's safe to eat zucchini raw. Just gently wash your zucchini first, then slice it up and enjoy. Just like with any food, there are potential side effects to eating a lot of it. Consuming a large amount of raw zucchini may lead to bloating.
Can you eat cucumber raw? ›
Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches. Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.
How to tell if it's a cucumber or zucchini? ›
A cucumber generally feels more waxy, smooth, and cool to the touch. On the other hand, zucchini has a drier and rougher texture. This makes them totally stand apart. However, the texture can vary too, depending on how fresh it is.
Which is healthier, cucumber or zucchini? ›
Zucchini is richer in vitamin B and vitamin C as compared to cucumbers. Both vegetables have relatively equal amounts of calcium but zucchini is richer than cucumbers in potassium and iron. Zucchini also has a higher amount of protein and fiber.
What vegetable is mistaken for a cucumber? ›
And, given their similar appearance, it's easy to see how cucumbers and zucchinis can sometimes be mistaken for one another. They're alike in shape and color and belong to the same family of plants (Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family).
Does zucchini belong to the cucumber family? ›
Several of the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden belong to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). Commonly grouped together and called the cucurbits, they include summer squash, zucchini, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, cucuzza, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa and, of course, cucumber.
Is zucchini the healthiest vegetable? ›
Zucchini is a versatile squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It may offer several health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini may aid your bones, thyroid, and prostate. If you're curious, try adding this soft, mild fruit to your diet today.
Is A zucchini A vegetable or a fruit? ›
Generally zucchini is considered a vegetable, but botanically the definition of zucchini is the immature fruit, being the swollen ovary of the female zucchini flower. Don't let that scare you off though. Besides the incredible fruit, also known as the swollen ovary, the plants yield hearty golden blossoms.
