Summer squashes, as well a winter squashes, are native to the Americas and belong to the family of curcurbita. Archaeologists have traced their origins to Mexico, dating back from 7,000 to 5,500 BC, when they were an integral part of the ancient diet of maize, beans, and squashes.

That pre-Columbian food trio is still the mainstay of the Mexican cuisine and is known today as the "three sisters."

The colonists of New England adopted the name squash, a word derived from several Native American words for the vegetable which meant "something eaten raw." George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were squash enthusiasts who even enjoyed growing them.

Zucchini squashes are very low in calories. There are only 13 calories in a half-cup of raw zucchini.

Nutritionally, zucchinis are rich in valuable antioxidants. Plus contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, folic acid and calcium.

Zucchini squash is also a good source of fiber (4 grams per cup). An adult should get about 30 grams of fiber per day in their diet. One cup of zucchini has nearly as much potassium as a banana. Plus it contains the valuable mineral nutrient phosphorus.