Zucchini is one of those vegetables that catches attention in Indian supermarkets. At first glance, it looks like cucumber, but once you taste it, you realize it’s quite different. Mild in flavor, soft when cooked, and extremely versatile, zucchini has moved from being an “imported” vegetable to one that is now grown in India. For anyone curious about its meaning, names, or nutrition, this guide covers everything you need to know about zucchini vegetable; from how it compares with cucumber to why it’s becoming a part of modern Indian diets.
What is Zucchini Vegetable? Meaning and Pronunciation
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It grows as a long, smooth-skinned vegetable, most commonly green in color, though yellow zucchini also exists.
- Zucchini meaning: A tender summer squash harvested while still immature and eaten as a vegetable.
- Zucchini pronunciation: zoo-kee-nee.
- In British English, zucchini is called courgette.
Botanically, zucchini is a fruit since it develops from a flower. But in the kitchen, it is treated as a vegetable; much like tomatoes or cucumbers.
Zucchini in India: Local Names and Uses
In India, zucchini was once considered rare and only found in gourmet stores. Today, it is widely cultivated in cooler regions, especially hill states, and is available in urban supermarkets. Locally grown varieties are often sold as Indian zucchini, fresher and more affordable than imported ones.
When people search for zucchini in Hindi, they’ll often find it listed as जुकीनी (Zucchini) itself. Sometimes it gets confused with तोरी (Turai) or लौकी (Lauki), but these are traditional gourds and not the same as zucchini. Unlike these native vegetables, zucchini has smooth skin, fewer seeds, and a milder taste. If you want to learn more about related vegetables, you can check our guide on Rui plant or Arka plant, another member of the gourd family.
Zucchini Vegetable in Indian Languages
Here’s a detailed table of how zucchini is called across different Indian languages:
| Language | Zucchini Name |
| Hindi | जुकीनी (Zucchini) / often confused with तोरी (Turai) |
| Tamil | சுக்கினி (Sukkini) |
| Telugu | సుక్కిని (Sukkini) |
| Bengali | ঝুকিনি (Jhukini) |
| Gujarati | ઝુકીની (Zukini) |
| Kannada | ಸುಕ್ಕಿನಿ (Sukkini) |
| Malayalam | സുക്കിനി (Sukkini) |
| Marathi | झुकिनी (Jhukini) |
| Odia | ଜୁକିନି (Jukini) |
| Punjabi | ਜ਼ੁਕੀਨੀ (Zukini) |
| Assamese | জুকিনি (Jukini) |
| Urdu | زوچینی (Zuchini) |
Just as people often look up flowers name in Gujarati, zucchini too has its own localized names across Indian languages, making it easier to connect with regional food habits.
Zucchini vs Cucumber: Are They the Same?
A common doubt is whether zucchini and cucumber are the same. While they may look alike, they are very different in taste, texture, and use.
| Feature | Zucchini | Cucumber |
| Family | Squash (Cucurbitaceae) | Gourd (Cucurbitaceae) |
| Texture | Firm raw, tender when cooked | Watery and crunchy raw |
| Flavor | Mild, slightly earthy | Refreshing and juicy |
| Uses | Usually cooked, stir-fried, or baked | Mostly eaten raw in salads |
| Appearance | Smooth green skin, can be dark or light | Light/dark green, often waxy |
In Indian kitchens, zucchini is sometimes mistaken for turai or lauki, but once cooked, its soft texture and mild taste set it apart.
Zucchini Nutrition Chart with Key Insights
Zucchini is often praised as a low-calorie vegetable that still delivers essential vitamins and minerals. Even the delicate zucchini flower is edible and valued in many cuisines, proving that every part of the plant is useful. Nutrition per 100 grams of green zucchini:
- Calories: 17
- Carbohydrates: 3.1 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 29% of daily requirement
- Potassium: 8% of daily requirement
- Also contains Vitamin A, Folate, Manganese, and Magnesium
Because zucchini is over 90% water, it is hydrating and very light on the stomach. Unlike starchy vegetables, it can be enjoyed without adding much to daily calorie intake. If you are looking for ways to improve overall wellness at home, you may also want to explore best indoor plants for oxygen, which complement a healthy lifestyle just like nutritious food.
Zucchini Benefits and Side Effects Explained
Zucchini offers a wide range of health benefits, making it a popular choice in modern diets. Adding it alongside other winter vegetables in India creates a balanced seasonal plate.
Zucchini Health Benefits
- Improves Digestion: The fiber in zucchini helps regulate bowel movements and supports gut health.
- Aids Weight Management: With very few calories and high water content, zucchini is filling without being heavy.
- Boosts Immunity: Its high Vitamin C content strengthens the immune system.
- Protects Heart Health: Potassium in zucchini helps control blood pressure.
- Keeps You Hydrated: Over 90% water makes it naturally refreshing.
- Supports Skin Wellness: Antioxidants and Vitamin A help maintain healthy, glowing skin.
Zucchini Side Effects
- Eating raw zucchini in excess may cause bloating in sensitive individuals.
- Rarely, zucchini may taste bitter due to compounds called cucurbitacins. Such zucchini should not be consumed.
Green Zucchini Vegetable and Indian Zucchini Availability
The most common type found in India is green zucchini. Farmers in cooler climates now grow zucchini locally, which is why supermarkets often label it as Indian zucchini. This ensures freshness while reducing dependence on imports.
Yellow zucchini is also available but less common. Regardless of the color, both varieties share the same nutritional value and benefits. To understand how seasons influence crops in India, you may also read about flowering plants in summer in India, which shows how climate shapes both plants and vegetables.
Key Takeaway
Zucchini vegetable is more than just a cucumber lookalike; it’s a highly nutritious vegetable that has become part of Indian kitchens in recent years. From zucchini in Hindi to its growing popularity as Indian zucchini, it is now widely available and easy to include in daily meals.
With its light flavor, hydration benefits, and wide range of nutrients, zucchini is a great addition to modern diets. Zucchini is here to stay. Whether you find it in a supermarket or a farmer’s market, it adds both variety and health to the plate, making it one of the most valuable vegetables to embrace today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Indian name for zucchini Vegetable?
In India, zucchini is called जुकीनी (Zucchini). Some confuse it with turai, but they are different vegetables.
Is zucchini a cucumber?
No, zucchini is not a cucumber. While they look similar, zucchini is a squash that is usually cooked, whereas cucumber is mostly eaten raw.
Are zucchini and turai the same?
No, zucchini vegetable and turai (ridge gourd) are not the same. Zucchini has smooth skin and a milder taste, while turai has ridges and a stronger flavor.
Can you eat zucchini raw?
Yes, zucchini can be eaten raw if it is tender and fresh. It is mild in taste and crunchy, though many prefer cooking it for softness.
Should I peel zucchini?
No, zucchini vegetable does not need to be peeled. Its skin is thin, edible, and rich in nutrients. Just wash it well before eating or cooking.
