The peculiarity of round zucchini is that they are ideal for stuffing. This original dish will decorate any table. The process of growing them is as simple as that of ordinary zucchini; difficulties can only arise when choosing a variety. To prevent this from happening, consider the varieties of round-shaped zucchini.
History of appearance
Some people still wonder if there are varieties of large zucchini. However, when searching for information, there are many types of rounded varieties that resemble pumpkins in appearance.
The first zucchini was bred in Mexico and already at the beginning of the 16th century began to actively spread throughout Europe. Representatives of the “pumpkin” became a favorite dish of Europeans, so more and more gardeners began to plant the crop. Today there are many varieties of round zucchini, which differ in taste, shape and external characteristics.
Appearance dimensions
In appearance, rounded zucchini looks more like a pumpkin or a small watermelon. Mature fruits reach 2–3 kg, but for cooking it is better to select fruits whose weight is no more than two hundred grams and whose diameter is no more than 15 cm.
Mature large-fruited zucchini are characterized by a dense peel, due to which they are stored for a long time in winter. All varieties of round zucchini tolerate the Russian climate well, so their yield is high. The crop does not require special care; fertilizing, weeding and watering are sufficient.
Taste qualities
Round zucchini has good taste. They are tender and juicy in taste, without large seeds. Some of the varieties are characterized by a sweetish taste.
Composition and calorie content
100 grams of round zucchini contains 24 kcal, which allows the vegetable to be classified as a low-calorie product.
Pumpkin seeds are very beneficial for the body; they contain structured water, which improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and normalizes all digestive processes. In addition, round zucchini contains the following useful components:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- copper;
- zinc;
- vitamins A, B1, C, PP;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- iron;
- manganese;
- cellulose;
- dietary fiber and so on.
All these substances are extremely beneficial for the body: they stimulate the intestines, remove unnecessary toxins, reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol, and activate metabolic processes.
Advantages and disadvantages of round zucchini
Round zucchini is low in calories and is a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. Unlike the oblong “pumpkin” ones, they are more widely used in cooking. Due to their attractive shape, they are most often used for baking and stuffing. They are also used to prepare cutlets, jam, stew and much more.
The beneficial properties of round zucchini are complemented by the fact that they are extremely useful for pregnant women, as they have a beneficial effect on intestinal function.
Zucchini is often used in cosmetology. They are added to face masks that moisturize dry skin for a long time.
Round pumpkins do not require special care and are not picky about the soil. No deficiencies were found in this crop.
Varieties and hybrids of round zucchini
All varieties of zucchini are divided into large, small, and hybrids. Large pumpkins usually weigh at least 1 kilogram. Therefore, for cooking, it is better to pick young fruits before they reach large sizes. There is a wide variety of large round varieties. These include:
- Ball. This is an early ripening variety that ripens in 50 days. The culture has medium-sized leaves of light green color. The weight of the zucchini is approximately 1 kg, the color is spotted, light green. In terms of external characteristics, the “Ball” resembles a watermelon. The zucchini pulp is juicy, with a minimal amount of small seeds. The variety is characterized by resistance to powdery mildew and putrefactive processes.
- Watermelon.Another variety that resembles a watermelon in appearance. Full ripening of the fruit occurs in autumn. This is a high-yielding crop that produces up to 20 fruits in one bush. Since the Watermelon variety trails and covers several meters of area, its cultivation area must be extensive. The fruits reach a weight of 3 kg, and the diameter of young fruits is 9–15 cm.
- The mother-in-law is hospitable. The culture is characterized by smooth, round-shaped fruits and a light green color, which turns white when ripe. The pulp of this variety is very tender. The weight of the fetus varies from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms. One plant can produce up to 10 fruits at the same time. Recommended for processing into caviar, canning and home cooking.
- Sailor. Early ripening variety. The fruits are light green in color with a spotted ribbed surface. Ripening takes 40 days. The fruits weigh up to 1 kg. The white pulp has the most delicate taste. The yield is 5 kg per 1 square meter. Can be grown in all regions.
- Boatswain. Early ripening variety. Compared to other species, it stands out for its impressive yield and solid appearance of fruits. The ripening period takes 40–45 days. The fruits grow up to 3 kg, sometimes up to 4. The pulp has a pronounced zucchini taste and a light green color. The ripened Bosun can be easily stored all winter.
- Kolobok. Another early ripening variety, the ripening period of which takes 40 days. A light-loving crop that does not require much space. The weight of the fruit usually does not exceed 1 kg. It is best to eat unripe zucchini with a diameter of 10 cm. Kolobok resembles a pumpkin in both taste and appearance. Can be grown in any region.
Small varieties
Small-fruited zucchini are characterized by high yield.The fruits grow abundantly, so there is enough of them for cooking and canning. Small zucchini have a very tender skin and a minimum of seeds. Small-fruited crops include:
- Tintoretto. In terms of external characteristics, the variety resembles the Russian zucchini Myachik, only earlier ripening (40 days), and with small fruits (on average up to 600 g). The variety belongs to the zucchini family, bears up to 6 fruits at a time and grows as a compact bush. The pulp tastes sweet and juicy.
- Orange. A miniature bush that does not take up much space in the garden. Productivity is average. Up to 5 fruits with a maximum size of 15 cm grow at the same time. It is important to pick the fruits unripe, in this form they are rich in vitamins and have a delicate taste. If the zucchini is overripe, it becomes unsuitable for cooking, since the layer of pulp becomes thinner, and the entire middle is occupied by coarse seeds.
- Cook. An early ripening variety with a yield of 10 kg per 1 square meter. Ripening lasts 40–43 days. The fruits are characterized by a light green color and juicy pulp. It is grown by direct sowing in the ground, as well as seedlings. The maximum weight of the fruit does not exceed 300 g. The seeds germinate best at a temperature of 25–30 degrees.
Hybrids
Zucchini hybrids are suitable for canning, squash caviar and all types of culinary processing. Hybrids include the following varieties:
- Burzhunin F An early ripening variety, the ripening period is 45 days. The bush is characterized by power and abundance of flowers. The variety has good yield, marketable appearance and round fruits. Zucchini is dark green and weighs up to 3 kg. The variety is suitable for growing in greenhouses and open ground. The optimal sowing time is May. The variety needs proper watering, nutrition, temperature and lighting.The yield is 10 kg per 1 square meter.
- Festival F A hybrid variety with a decorative appearance and excellent taste. The diameter of the fruit reaches 15 cm. The surface of the zucchini is covered with white-green stripes, where the green color is replaced by yellow as it ripens. The culture is perfectly stored (up to 1 year) without loss of taste. It is also worth noting the attractive appearance of the variety.
Foreign varieties
Foreign varieties include:
- Tondo di Piacenza. Mid-season variety originally from Italy. It takes 50 days to mature. Designed for sowing in open ground. Unripe fruits with a diameter of 10 cm have a special taste. They can be eaten fresh.
- Ronde de Nice. An early ripening native of France. It takes 40 days to ripen. The fruits are light green in color with thin skin and a diameter of 12–15 cm. In order for the yield to be high, the first fruits should be picked as early as possible. Unripe fruits are best suited for cooking.
Growing and care
Round zucchini is easy to care for and requires only standard procedures: soil preparation, loosening the soil, weeding, watering.
Soil preparation
Before planting, prepare the soil: fertilize with humus, sawdust or peat, add a little mineral fertilizer (wood ash or superphosphate). The area for zucchini is well dug up and cleared of all kinds of weeds and beetle larvae.
Depending on the variety of zucchini, the seeds are sown in open ground or planted as seedlings.
Planting from seeds
For open sowing, holes are made up to 5 cm deep, at a distance of 70 cm from each other.. 2–4 seeds are planted in each hole. If several seeds germinate at once, only one shoot is left.
You can speed up the process of seed germination by soaking them in mineral fertilizers or a growth stimulant solution.
Planting seedlings
To obtain an earlier harvest, seedlings are prepared. To do this, seeds are sown in pots with soil 1 month before planting in the ground. Seedlings need to be fertilized with mullein solution or minerals. If the soil is of poor quality, it is necessary to fertilize 2 times. The seedlings are planted in pre-prepared soil along with a lump of earth, this will prevent damage to the roots.
Irrigation scheme
You can water infrequently, but abundantly. The optimal watering regime is once every 10 days. The water should not be cold, otherwise the young ovaries will be damaged. When the first fruits appear, the volume of water is doubled. A week before harvesting, stop watering; this will preserve the rich taste of the zucchini.
