Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets

• A low-calorie, low-sodium food.
• Supports a strong immune system, healthy heart and brain, and strong bones.

How to Store

• Store away from ethylene-producing fruits such as avocados, bananas, apples, and tomatoes.
• Fresh-cut summer squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Prepare

• Wash and dry. Remove and discard the stem end.
• Cut into spears, rounds, or cubes using a sharp knife.

How to Enjoy

• Great sautéed in a stir-fry, added to soups, stewed with onions, used for dipping, or roasted in the oven for crispy chips.

Did You Know? There are many varieties of squash. Summer includes zucchini, yellow, and zephyr. 

Recipes

Baked Parmesan Squash Chips

Ingredients

• 2 medium squash (yellow or zucchini), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds 
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded 
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Toss zucchini slices with oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and about 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. 
• Place on a baking sheet and top with remaining parmesan cheese and bake for 5 minutes. 
• Turn oven to broil, place pan near the top, and broil 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and zucchini is crisp.

Sautéed Squash

Ingredients

• 3 medium summer squash, sliced into half moons 
• 2 tablespoons oil 
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions

• Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. 
• Add squash when oil is hot and squash sizzles. 
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is lightly browned and tender. 
• Add garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper and stir.
• Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
• Serve immediately.

Grilled Summer Squash

Ingredients

• 4 medium summer squash, cut horizontally into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick strips or spears
• 1/2 cup olive oil 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions

• Preheat grill to medium heat. 
• Heat olive oil in a small pan and add garlic. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to sizzle. 
• Brush the garlic oil over the squash and add salt and pepper.
• Grill squash 5 to 10 minutes per side until tender. Brush with additional garlic oil and turn occasionally to prevent the squash from sticking or burning.

Learn More

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