We know this member of the cucurbitaceae family by its Italian name, which means "little squash." Zucchinis are excellent in ratatouille, or sauteed, fried, stuffed, au gratin or in soup. Zucchinis don't have many calories (approximately 15 calories per 100 g) and contain useful amounts of folate, potassium, vitamin A, which attack free radicals and protect the eyes, and rutin (vitamin P), which helps oxidize cholesterol.