“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors – it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.” -Wolfgang Puck
Growing Black Beauty Zucchini in Containers
With its glossy, black skin and rich, deluxe flavor that’s beyond compare, Black Beauty Zucchini stands apart from all the mundane, ordinary squash. And with its capability to be grown in a container, it’s ideal for novice gardeners. So get ready for a culinary experience of the highest order.
Overview
Black Beauty Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) is an heirloom variety that is initially round and solid, but as it matures it elongates and grows to an oval shape. A mature Black Beauty Zucchini can measure up to 8 inches long, with a beautiful glossy black skin and dense, heavy, bright, emerald green flesh that has an ideal texture for both raw or cooked applications. It’s a perfect addition to any meal – salads, stir-frys, soups, and breads. The Black Beauty variety of zucchini is also known to have sweet, nutty flavor and moist, dense texture, making it one of the most popular types of squash. And with its versatility, it has never been easier to create delicious plant-based dishes that everyone’s sure to enjoy.
With its ease in growing and its strong seasonal availability in the summer, Black Beauty Zucchini is the ideal asset for any skilled gardener or somebody just starting their gardening endeavour. Zucchini is one of the most popular plants to grow, as it grows quickly and produces a ton of edible fruit, so it’s the perfect selection for container gardening. The Black Beauty Variety is even more rewarding and exciting to grow due to its unique appearance and delicious flavour.
Depending on the size and type of container used, the maintenance for growing Black Beauty Zucchini is quite simple. A 12″ deep and 14″ wide container is large enough and suitable for the growing of this variety of zucchini. Select a container with large drainage holes, and be sure to put a drip tray underneath. Fill the container with a quality soil blended for vegetables. Be sure to keep the soil moist, and fertilize at regular intervals with an organic fertilizer.
The Black Beauty Zucchini variety produces both male and female flowers. Pollination occurs when bees visit the female flower and deposit pollen gathered from the male flower. To ensure optimal pollination, growers can utilize pollen collected from the male flowers or manual pollination can be achieved by carefully brushing the stamens of the male flower on the stigmas of the female flowers. This will help in successful pollination and facilitate bigger fruit which may result in greater harvests.
Ingredients
- 30 Seeds of Zucchini Black Beauty
- Quality Soil
- Organic Fertilizer
Instructions
- Before planting zucchini seeds, be sure the threat of frost has passed.
- Sow the Zucchini Black Beauty seeds 1/2 inch deep.
- Keep the soil moist, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Thin the young plants to 24 – 36 inches apart.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 22.7
- Carbohydrates: 4.5 gm
- Fiber: 2.3 gm
- Protein: 1.3 gm
- Fat: 0.1 gm
- Vitamin A: 1.4 gm
- Vitamin B6: 0.2 gm
- Vitamin C: 9.5 gm
- Iron: 1.1 gm
- Magnesium: 19.7 gm
- Potassium: 209 gm
Cooking Time & Servings
Cooking time for the zucchini flowers is around 7 minutes. Serving size is normally two zucchini flowers per person.
Equipment
- A container of size 12″ deep and 14″ wide.
- Drip tray
- Gloves
- Fertilizer
- Small brush for pollination
Serving Suggestions
- Use zucchini Black Beauty in salads, stir-fry, soups, and breads.
- Add them to omelettes, or as an addition to sandwiches and burgers.
- Serve as side dish with grilled, roasted, or baked meat, fish, and poultry.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.
- Serve stuffed with beef, pork, or vegetables.
Variation Ideas
- Cook them like pancakes.
- Add them to grain bowls, pasta dishes, and curries.
- Mash them with garlic and herbs.
- Grill them on skewers.
- Use as a zucchini pizza crust.
Substitutions
- Replace zucchini with yellow squash.
- Replace with cucumber as a salad topping.
- Replace with sweet potato for garish in savory recipes.
- Omit entirely from salads, soups, stir-frys, and breads.
Storage
- Store zucchini at room temperature for up to a week.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
- Refrigerate the zucchini in a plastic bag for up to 3-4 days.
- Do not wash the zucchini until use.
Tips
- Harvest the zucchini when it’s still young and smaller in size.
- Harvest the fruit early, when it’s still tender and immature.
- To create a healthy side dish, roast the zucchini in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.
- Sautéed garlic and onion can be added to any dish to boost the flavor.
- Replace zucchini with chickpeas for a plant-based meal.
Notes
- Serve the zucchini with grilled or roasted meat, fish, and poultry.
- Zucchini can be steamed, boiled, fried, grilled, or baked.
- To save time, dice or shred the zucchini using a grater or food processor.
- To save on dishes, worry a container with a lid to the oven when baking.
- Let the zucchini cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when the zucchini is ready to harvest?
The best time to harvest is when the fruits are small and tender. Fruits that are left too long will quickly become tough and woody. - Can I freeze zucchini?
Yes! Chop the zucchini and blanch lightly, then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. - Can I grow zucchini in containers?
Yes, zucchini can be grown in containers. Just be sure to select a container with large drainage holes, and fill with a quality soil blended for vegetables. - Can I eat zucchini raw?
Yes, zucchini is delicious eaten raw, as it has a slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture.
Category
Summer, Vegetables, Zucchini, Recipes, Container Gardening.
Personal Thought
Growing black beauty zucchini in a container is a rewarding and exciting experience that is ideal for skilled or novice gardeners. Plus, the taste of the zucchini is a flavor explosion that is unlike any other! Its versatility makes it easy to prepare a wide range of plant-based meals, from salads to stir-frys, breads to soups. Zucchini are also incredibly nutritious, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The best part of container gardening is that anyone can do it – all you need is a good quality soil, a container, and the right environment. Get creative and enjoy the rewards of your home-grown bounty!
I strongly encourage everyone to try growing Black Beauty Zucchini in containers. It’s a fun and creative process that will reward you with delicious, fresh zucchini. Plus, no matter what your experience level or space restrictions may be, anyone can do it and get great results! So don’t wait and start growing – you won’t regret it.
Give it a go and share your experiences, suggestions, and tips. I look forward to hearing from you all.
“Food is the currency of love. It is a form of connection, a way to show how much you care. No matter how much money you have or don’t have, you can always sit down and eat a meal together.” -Karen Menzies
