Vegetables should be treated with respect in the kitchen. Never drown them in water and boil for an endless amount of time. To bring out their true characters, vegetables should be lightly steamed and dressed with a little lemon juice and freshly milled pepper, briefly sautéed or stir fried in a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs. Or simply eat them raw or pass them through a juicer and you'll have a fresh tonic ready to boost you any time of the day.

Needless to say that vegetables are good for us. Our consciousness towards healthier eating habits has made us more aware of the different varieties of vegetables available and given us the audacity to try and experiment with new types.

Eating more vegetables helps our bodies fight diseases such as cancers, heart disease and progressive illnesses. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, they are rich in dietary fibre and antioxidants.

zucchini

To look at this vegetable it leaves you speechless in a way that you cannot find any adjective to describe it. But a plate of just steamed tender zucchini, sprinkled with salt and drizzled with lemon juice and a good extra virgin olive oil and that a different matter. Pure bliss! Its delicious tender and gentle are enhanced by the flavour of oil and the citrusy zing of lemon.

They are as popular as tomatoes in the Mediterranean basin, they are mostly grown for their flavour and as a result of the increased demand, even for their flowers. Zucchini were brought to Europe from the New world in the 16th century and it was only in the 1950s that it was introduced to Britain. Ever since, zucchini have featured in every type of cuisine and added to any type of savoury dish to bring colour and gentleness to the table.

Braised, sautéed, stuffed, deep-fried, baked, steamed, cut into chunks, cubes, slices or grated, zucchini can be prepared in a number of ways. When juice, zucchini give a pale white juice that needs to be mixed with any other vegetable juice.

They are made into appetizers, soups, pasta sauces, risottos, stir-fries, stews every housewife has a favourite recipe for each shape, size or colour.

Rich source of vitamin A, B and C, and in minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and carotenes, zucchini are gentle and mildly laxative and can help treat illnesses of the digestive system.

When buying, choose ones, which are, firm to the touch, have a shiny appearance and do not any blemishes. Baby ones are said to have more of a depth of sweetness and tenderness. To prepare, just wash them cold running water, top and tail and prepare them in any way you wish. Herbs such as mint, marjoram and thyme match their flavour perfectly making them one of the most versatile and highly nutritious vegetable that is on our supermarket shelves all the year round.