Zucchini Flowers Are The Italian Fried Food You're Missing Out On

You'll be quite surprised to know that the irresistible Italian food goes beyond spaghetti, cannoli, ravioli, and other Italian-inspired dishes that are popular in America. Each region in Italy has its own unique recipes and preparations, which you may have realized if you have ever been to this boot-shaped country. Italy offers a mix of artisan pasta, a variety of cheeses, fresh seafood dishes, gelato, carpaccio, and delicate care for local and seasonal products. They are fans of olive oil, fresh fruit, hand-cut charcuterie, and authentic pizza.

And yes, they also reinvent how vegetables are served. You might have heard of the deliciously fresh Caprese salad and the comforting vegetable minestrone. CNN Travel reports that a delicious but lesser-known fried treat is made from the male zucchini flowers that only flourish in spring. Next time you plan a trip to Italy, make sure to add a crunchy street food appetizer to your list — fried zucchini flowers or fiori di zucca fritti, as Italians call it (via Salt and Wind).

The recipe behind this "elegant street food," as described by San Pellegrino, starts with picking the zucchini blossoms, delicately washing them, and then filling them with the food of preference. CNN Travel says that these zucchini flowers can be stuffed with prosciutto, cheese, rice, and herbs, or with ricotta with lemon zest (via Salt and Wind). Nonna Box reports that mozzarella and anchovies are also classic stuffing. Normally, zucchini blossoms are a delicate food to cook with and can be obtained from zucchini, pumpkin, and squash in spring. It's better to cook with them immediately after purchasing them to prevent the zucchini to grow.

The fun part is that each Italian region has its own version of fried zucchini flowers with different recipes, as San Pellegrino reports, but they are all fried until golden with a crisp exterior and a creamy rich interior. It can be a snack for when strolling through the streets of Rome or a fancy meal starter. No matter when you enjoy it, make sure to try these fried flowers when visiting Italy. You can start by practicing pronunciation: fiori di zucca, per favore!