When to pick zucchini?

Question

I need to know when my zucchini is ripe to pick

Answer 1

Pick zucchini when they are young (four to six inches) and tender. Some people wait until the fruit becomes a monster. While definitely still edible, it is tougher and the skin may need to be peeled.

Some people enjoy seeing just how big they can grow them! If this is you, grow one or two monsters for show. Pick small ones to eat.

Answer 2

I like to pick bush zucchini when it is 5 inches long. Vine zucchini will still taste good at 8 inches long. We always have a few that are missed until they hulk out. Those go into zucchini bread at the end of the season.

Happy Picking!!
gg

Answer 3

Pick it before it gets too big or it will be tough and the seeds inside will be too large. When I was young and foolish, I planted a whole row of zucchini plants, not knowing how many you get on each plant! Zukes are a joke in our family. My husband is a minister and he used to travel a circuit of four churches. I used to tell him to lock his car on Sunday, because everybody and his brother would put zucchinis in his car and he would come home with a boat load of them. I did make a lot of zucchini relish and bread, though.

Answer 4

For the best flavor pick when it reaches 4-5 inches. Pick early in the morning or late in the evening. When you bring it in the house fill your sink with very cool water, (I add a few ice cubes) let them soak for a bout 10 minutes, this helps preserve the shelf life and flavor. Dry on a paper towel before storing.
I have a great recipe for anyone with a lot of zucchini;
5-6 small peeled and sliced zucs
lay on slightly greased cookie sheet
top each slice with a spoon of ranch dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
bake in hot oven 400 for 12-15 minutes until golden brown
YUM, a great appetizer or side dish ready in minutes
Hope you enjoy and this is helpful
God Bless
Grandma

Answer 5

You want to pick it when it is at least 8 inches long. You don't want them huge (they can & will grow huge) because the seeds get big and the meat gets tough. If some grow huge, you can clean it, cut it into chunks & grind up to use in sauces. You can also go to the grocery store & look at the size of their zucc's. That will give you an idea of when to pick. Happy gardening!

Answer 6

about 6 to 8 inches long they are the best

Answer 7

They will keep several days out of the refrigerator and several more in the refrigerator other than that, i like to slice mine into 1\4 slices and freeze until i am ready to fry them. (peel them first and bag them dry)

Answer 8

best when under a foot long