[smilintwins]

I am trying to be good and eat new veggies. We decided to grow zucchini in our organic garden. The question of the day is...

For the zucchini patties and other similar recipes (I found a similar breakfast receipe for zucchini hash browns) where it calls for grated zucchini...am I to peel the zucchini first and then grate or count grated zucchini skins in my recipe?

[Ruthxxx]

I always use the whole works. Just grate them in and think fiber.

[sarahyu]

I always use the skin. My mother on the other hand thinks it's horrible to include the skin. She peels everything including tomatoes and cucumbers. I feel if my teeth can bite it, the peel is fine. (Except for kiwi skin, hairy is bad. )
Good luck. Maybe you could post your new recipes?

[beachgal]

Definitely leave the peel on. Sarah, your explanation is perfect. Throwing away the peel and crust of things is horrible because that is where most of the nutrients are! So definitely leave the peel on things if you can. Ditto sweet potatoes, apples, the pith of oranges (white stuff), etc.

We had a summer squash soup yesterday night. It was good...nothing exciting, but simple and good. Those zucchini patties are totally addictive and sooooo good!!! Both my coworker and I love them. She and I both had "mushy middles" on some of them...they still tasted awesome, but we were both worried about the eggs having been cooked enough. When I make them again, I think I will use Eggbeaters or some pasteurized egg product to ensure that no one gets sick.

Those things are good, though. Enjoy!

[nelie]

I've eaten zucchini for years, mostly because my (extended) family is very fond of it and always grows it and it tends to yield a lot. I love eating zucchini and I always eat it with the skin on.

[chick_on_the_beach]

It looks much more attractive with the skin on and is better for you.

[smilintwins]

OK, grate with the skin on. I suspected this to be the case, I eat cucumber skins so why not zucchini skins, right?

I knew I could count on you ladies to lead me down a healthy path!!

[beachgal]

Jen, thanks for all these great questions! :