Courgette flowers ( Zucchini flowers)

Courgette flowers are characterized by a deep yellow color. They are rich in phytohormones, with an energizing and tonic action, carotenoids and vitamins, in particular vitamin A and C, able to protect DNA. The zucchini flowers contain also vitamins of group B and mineral salts such as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Thanks to the contained substances they have anticancer properties, reinforce the immune system, are diuretic, helps digestion and reinforce the bones: these effects make zucchini flowers especially useful for those suffering from osteoporosis. Remember to consume fresh courgette flowers, that’s because they are very delicate and can be easily ruined. If you grow zucchini in a vegetable garden, collect the male flowers, you can recognize them because they have a long, thin stem, but not collect them all, leave always one for plant, otherwise the female flowers cannot be pollinated and the fruit will not be born. In order to benefit from zucchini flowers properties, they should be eaten raw, in salads, after cleaning them internally and removing the pistils. They can also be added to sauces for dishes, but in this case add them just at the end of cooking.