The zucchini is a summer vegetable with a delicate aroma and soft flesh. It belongs to the botanical family ofCucurbitaceae. It can be eaten boiled, baked or fried. When boiled, it loses its nutritional properties, which are dissolved in the cooking water. The region of Messiniamainly produces a variety of Cucurbitapepo. Every year at the village of Pelekanada a zucchini festival takes place where visitors have the opportunity to try many local dishes and delicacies based on traditional recipes.
The zucchini is high in β-carotene, and constitutes a good choice for maintaining healthy vision. It is also rich in potassium, which helps maintain total body fluid volume, keep electrolytes in balance, control blood pressure and ensure eye health. Furthermore, zucchinis contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects vision against oxidative damage and eye diseases.Latest scientific studies have associated the above nutritional elements with the prevention of cancer and coronary disease.