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Garden: How To Fry Squash or Zucchini Blossom Flowers

Fried Squash Blossom Flowers Final

Now that spring has arrived our garden is getting much fuller.  I love the look of the huge summer squash and zucchini and the gorgeous blooms bring back memories of my childhood.  I remember countless days when my dad would come in from working in the garden with gorgeous squash blossoms to fry up for a mid-morning snack.  Now that we have our own garden I’ve carried on the tradition of snipping my male blossoms each morning to fry up for the family.

Male versus Female Blossoms

Squash CollageThe actual flower of the zucchini and squash plant look pretty much identical (left).  However, upon closer examination you can see the male blossom (bottom right) is on a regular stem whereas the female blossom (top right) has fruit right below it.  This particular blossom will eventually be a beautiful yellow summer squash.  Both the male and female blossoms and flowers are edible, however I only eat the male blossoms because we are wanting the vegetables later this summer.  Occasionally you will find young, tender squash with the blossom still attached, but it is a difficult task to keep it all in tact for harvest.

Fried Squash or Zucchini Blossom Flowers Recipe

Squash Flowers

Harvest blossoms/flowers in the morning.  

Clean well and drain making sure there are no hidden critters inside blooms.

Fried Squash Flowers 3

Soak blossoms in milk and set aside.  

In the meantime take about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of flour in a plate and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.  

We sometimes throw in garlic salt instead of regular salt.

Fried Squash Flowers 4

Dredge in flour.

In a pan heat up a tablespoon or so of olive oil and a teaspoon of butter on medium heat.

Add squash flowers.

Fried Squash Flowers 5

Fry until golden brown and flip.

Fried Squash Flowers 6

Remove from heat once cooked and drain on paper towel.

Salt to taste.

Enjoy!

Comments

  1. Mary Ambrosino says

    For 12 flowers use 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 3-4 basil leaves and 1 handful grated cheese. Use 1 egg to make a batter and add water as needed.

  2. I have seen this done before. I tried growing squash last year and was looking forward to frying the flowers, but apparently my thumb is not very green.

    Great job!

  3. This looks usually delicious!! I did not know you could eat the flowers !! My friends loves zucchini maybe i could pass this along to her … I believe she will love it too! 🙂

  4. We just had fried Squash this past weekend and it was delicious. I haven’t had Zuchinni, but yours looks really good. I’m going to have to give them a try.

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  1. Garden: How To Fry Squash or Zucchini Blossom Flowers…

    The garden is in bloom and now is the time for frying up fresh squash or zucchini blossoms and flowers…

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