Zucchini Guide: Pan Cooking, Zucchini Leaves & Nutrition

Zucchini is a low-calorie favorite for vegans and healthy eaters, even featuring edible leaves. Learn the nutritional differences between raw and cooked zucchini, and find the best methods for pan-cooking or grilling this versatile squash.

Zucchini salad with basil and mozzarella

Nutritional Facts for Raw Zucchini Vs. Cooked Zucchini

Published Aug,28 2011 | By James Young

Because you harvest zucchini when immature, this summer squash contains fewer nutrients than mature winter squashes that develop large stores of starch and sugar. As with cucumbers, most of the weight of a fresh zucchini comes from water. Zucchini provides good flavor and only a few calories, whether raw or cooked.

James Young began writing in 1969 as a military journalist combat correspondent in Vietnam. Young's articles have been published in "Tai Chi Magazine," "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," Sonar 4 ezine, "Stars & Stripes" and "Fine Woodworking." He has worked as a foundryman, woodturner, electronics technician, herb farmer and woodcarver. Young graduated from North Seattle Community College with an associate degree in applied science and electronic technology.