It’s National Zucchini Day! Today we celebrate this versatile green vegetable and all the delicious dishes we can make with it.

The common zucchini is a close relative of the cucumber and the melon. It is a type of squash that comes from Italy. In fact, the name “zucchini” comes from the word “zucchino,” which means “small squash” in Italian. The largest zucchini on record was 69.5 inches long and weighed 65 pounds! It probably wouldn’t have tasted very good though. For the best flavor, always choose a small or medium sized zucchini.

To celebrate National Zucchini Day, plan a dinner menu full of this healthy vegetable! Grill it, bake it into bread, or add it to a salad. Bon appétit!