Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a popular quick bread made with freshly grated zucchini, baking soda, sugar, eggs, flour and spices. It is sometimes made with chocolate. It is known as a more nutritious alternative to sweeter quick breads.

Quick breads were first made at the end of the 18th century in America where pearlash was discover. Pearlash was used to help bread rise because it creates carbon dioxide gas in bread dough. Around 1857, baking powder was developed and became a common ingredient in Zucchini breadhttp://www.foodreference.com/html/fzucchinibread.html While no specific date is known for the first loaf of zucchini bread made, it was probably during the late 18th century period. The combination of a quick rise agent (pearlash and baking powder) and the prolific nature of zucchini plants points to a logical establishment of this hearty bread.http://www.foodreference.com/html/fzucchinibread.html

Zucchini is a squash that is a good source of lutein that can help protect vision and is naturally cholesterol free and a low calorie food.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/zucchini-bread/NU00457

Healthy zucchini bread can be made through recipe improvements such as:

1. Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for added fiber
2. Substitute applesauce for oil for added vitamins, minerals and to lower the fat content
3. Exchange yogurt for part of the oil to get iodine, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin
4. Add nuts for extra nutrition such as protein, zinc and seleniumhttp://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2009/06/make-it-natural-healthier-zucchini-bread/

Ways to Serve Zucchini Bread:

1. As a Breakfast Bread: Slice generously. Bread can be enjoyed fresh from the oven, warmed slightly in the microwave or toasted.
2. With a topping: Can be enjoyed with butter, cream cheese, or jelly
3. Accompanied by: Milk, coffee, tea or other warm beverage
4. Along with a Meal
5. As a dessert
6. As a snack