Zoodles Have Been Around Longer Than You Thought

Zoodles are a popular alternative to pastas. Zucchini is spiral-cut to look like pasta noodles (hence the name "zoodles") and is a great alternative to people trying to cut carbs. 

Zoodles can be boiled, sautéed, and used in a variety of ways. Most any sauce that can be out on pasta can be slathered on zoodles to create a more healthful version of a dish. Of course, an added benefit of eating zoodles is getting an extra serving of vegetables into your meal. And, zucchini, unlike pasta, is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamins A and C. 

According to Mirriam-Webster, the word "zoodle" is relatively new, with the first known use dating back to only 1991. The word expert defines zoodles as a "long, thin strip of zucchini that resembles a string or narrow ribbon of pasta". 

But despite the word dating back only three decades, the world has been eating zoodles for much longer than that. 

Naph Torrence, a brand advertising and marketing professional in London, recently Tweeted about discovery he had about zoodles. "Omg I just realised Zoodles is the American term for Courgetti," he said. 

Courgetti, according to BBC Good Food, is what zucchini noodles are called in the United Kingdom. The name courgetti comes from the word courgette, which is another word for zucchini. Courgette is a variety of cucubit, which is the all-family name for cucumbers, melons, and squash. 

Any way you call it — zoodles, courgetti, or simply zucchini spirals — the best way to cook them so they're not watery is to toss some salt on them before cooking. The salt helps to extract any moisture hidden inside the noodles. Another tip is to sautée your zoodles to "cook away any unwanted moisture" in them.  Then, add your favorite sauce, additional veggies, and sprinkle on some grated cheese. 

You can also make a cold zoodle salad by tossing raw zoodles with olive oil, basalmic vinegar, and other vegetables. Eating Well has a quick recipe that adds tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella balls for a flavorful, summery salad.