The zucchini flower is in reality just a "different cut" of the zucchini plant. The fruit of the zucchini may be separated from the bloom that is commonly ignored by shoppers. The blossoms themselves may be identified as the golden blossoms on the end of baby zucchini. The larger male blossoms may also be used.

When buying flowers, one should look to see that the blossoms look firm and fresh and that they are only slightly open. Because the flowers don't keep well, they should be bought for same-day use and refrigerated. Once one is ready to cook, the stems will need to be clipped, and the pistils removed. Like most fresh vegetables and fruit, they will need to be washed and dried. Be gentle or the blossoms may be destroyed.

The zucchini flower must be cooked before it is eaten. There are a variety of recipes and the flowers may be stuffed, sautéd, baked, or even used in a soup.