Courgettes, also known as zucchini, originate from Central and South America. They were domesticated thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples in these regions. The plant eventually spread to Europe and other parts of the world after the discovery of the Americas. Courgettes belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes popular vegetables like cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons.
Growing Courgettes Courgette plants are annuals that thrive in warm climates. They need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. These plants can be grown both in open soil and in containers. The plant produces large, broad leaves and yellow flowers.
Male flowers usually appear first, followed by the female flowers which have a small courgette at the base. Pollination is carried out by bees and other insects. Courgettes grow quickly and should be harvested regularly to avoid becoming oversized and fibrous.
Use in the Kitchen Courgettes are a versatile vegetable used in many cuisines around the world. They have a mild flavour and a juicy texture. The skin is edible and ranges from green to yellow depending on the variety.
Courgettes are a delicious and adaptable vegetable that can be easily included in a wide range of culinary creations. Their growing process and kitchen versatility make them a popular choice in kitchens across the globe.
Delicious recipes with zucchini
Stuffed courgette with tuna
These Mediterranean stuffed courgettes combine the savoury flavour of tuna with the fresh accent of capers and lemon.
Xīhúlu chǎo jīdà n (西葫芦炒鸡蛋) is a simple Chinese home-style dish that combines soft pieces of scrambled egg with tender, quickly stir-fried courgette.
A fresh crayfish salad with lightly toasted courgette, lemon and fresh tarragon. The courgette forms the base and the crayfish stay nicely juicy on top: a light, refined starter with a French touch.
