Cucumber vs Zucchini: The cucumber which was brought in the market as ‘Zucchini’, is it not? Know the real difference

News India Live, Digital Desk: Has it ever happened to you that you have gone to the market, and what you got after asking for “cucumber” from the vegetable vendor, turned out to be something different when you came home and cut the salad? Often in supermarkets, two such things are kept side by side, which look exactly like twin brothers, Cucumber and Zucchini. Both green, both long and cylindrical. There is bound to be confusion. But friends, even though their appearance is similar, there is a world of difference in their ‘qualities’ and ‘taste’. And the biggest question is, whose hand should one hold for weight loss? Let us examine the horoscope of both of them in very simple language. 1. How to identify them? (Visual Difference) First of all, let’s clear the confusion so that next time you don’t get cheated in purchasing. Cucumber: When you touch the cucumber, it feels cool. Its skin may be slightly rough or bumpy. It is crisp and has high water content. Zucchini: It comes from the pumpkin family. It feels a little dry when touched and its skin is velvety or very smooth. Its stem often has a wooden top attached to it, which is not the case in cucumber.2. Taste & Usage: Cucumber: For us Indians, cucumber means salad. We eat it raw, make raita or put it in sandwiches. It is cooling in nature and tastes like nectar in summers. Zucchini: Its taste may be slightly sweet, but it is considered better to eat it cooked. Although it can be eaten raw, its taste improves by grilling or making a vegetable (saute). Nowadays, there is a big trend of ‘zucchini noodles’ instead of pasta or noodles.3. Who is best for weight loss? (For Weight Loss) Now let’s come to the point. If you want to lose weight, then what to keep in your plate? Calories: Cucumber wins here. Cucumber has slightly less calories than zucchini. That means you eat to your heart’s content and don’t worry about calories. Nutrients: Zucchini is ahead here. Zucchini contains slightly higher amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and some essential minerals as compared to Cucumber. Verdict: If you feel hungry frequently and want to do some “munching” (light snacks), Cucumber is the best. It keeps you hydrated and makes you feel full. But, if you want to increase the fiber and vitamins in your diet, and turn your meal into a ‘healthy meal’, then try zucchini. My Opinion: There is no need to choose one in your weight loss journey. When you feel hungry during the day, eat cucumber as a salad, and prepare zucchini as a light vegetable for dinner. Both are ‘weight loss’ superheroes! What do you prefer? The crispness of local cucumber or the sweet flavor of foreign zucchini? Please tell us your choice in the comments!