Cosa prepariamo con la zuccata?

Cucuzzata: Sicilian green specialty

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Nutritional properties and benefits

Jams differ in flavors and colors. From the sweetest to the most acidic, from the sugar-free to the organic ones. All jams are a rich source of vitamin A, B1, B2, mineral salts such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium. These contain little protein, are fat-free and are excellent for those who do not suffer from cholesterol. Furthermore, they are very sugary because they come from fruit and contain fructose and glucose. Jams help us at any time of the day, whether for breakfast or a snack, it does not matter. Suitable for those who practice sports, children, adults, the elderly and even for those who follow a specific diet. This food can be consumed every day if taken in moderation and with the right portions because it does not have particular contraindications or warnings.

Different varieties

Jam is truly a food full of resources and variety. But what is it that attracts us so much to the different jams? It seems that human beings love jam for various reasons. An example? These are very colorful, creamy, velvety, shiny, fragrant, rich in real fruit pulp, contained in different jars with the strangest shapes.

Curiosity

The term jam is really curious because we have to take a dive into the past. It dates back to the ancient Portuguese "marmelada" because "marmelo" meant quince tree. In fact, already at the time of the Greeks and then the Romans the only jams were made of quince and were prepared with apples and honey. Sugar did not yet exist and its natural variant was exclusively honey. Later, in the Middle Ages it was always prepared in a modern way and more similar to ours. Finally, in the 16th century, or in 1700, this practice spread throughout the world with the global export of sugar.

Development over time

Well, then, why was jam born? Surely out of necessity, that is, there was the need to preserve fruit and vegetables for as long as possible. The refrigerator did not yet exist and a system had to be found that could guarantee preservation. In fact, it was very difficult to be able to enjoy fruit out of season. Not everyone even had the opportunity to prepare and eat it. But how can you enjoy jam? We can enjoy it in many different ways. From sad rusks, to numerous biscuits, yogurt, sandwich bread, cheeses, puffed rice cakes, croutons, on leavened products such as bread, tarts and especially on desserts.

One of the best and least popular jams is the zuccata. Zucchini is a jam made from green Sicilian courgettes. This is found in particular inside a dessert, a traditional Sicilian delicacy typical of the city of Sciacca (AG) called Cucchitella . Zucchini, also called "cucuzzata" in Sicilian, is light emerald green in colour, and should not be confused with the famous pistachio from Raffadali (AG) in Western Sicily. It has a delicate and sweet taste, very fragrant, and is made from the light green snake squash. Guys, I have to say that it is difficult not to like it. Want to try it? Well, there is Cucchitella Sciacca Shop!

READ ALSO: Zucchini: Sicilian green courgette jam

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