Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), also known as courgette in British English, is a summer squash that is harvested while still immature, typically at about 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) in length. When fully grown, a closely related vegetable is called marrow in British English; as a result the courgette is also sometimes called "baby marrow". Zucchini is known for its mild flavor and versatile culinary applications.
Zucchini has a delicate, slightly sweet, and vegetal flavor with a tender, smooth texture. Its taste is mild, making it an adaptable ingredient that can absorb and complement a wide range of other flavors. When cooked, zucchini becomes softer and slightly sweeter, but it retains enough firmness to provide a pleasing texture in various dishes.
Zucchini is widely used in a variety of culinary traditions. It can be eaten raw, sliced or grated into salads, or used as a crunchy topping for dishes. When cooked, zucchini is often sautéed, grilled, roasted, or steamed. It is a key ingredient in dishes like ratatouille, and is frequently stuffed with a variety of fillings and baked. Zucchini can also be spiralized into noodles ("zoodles") as a low-carbohydrate substitute for pasta. Additionally, its mild flavor makes it suitable for use in baked goods, such as zucchini bread and muffins, where it adds moisture without overpowering other ingredients.
History
The zucchini, as it is known today, was developed in Italy in the late 19th century, although its origins trace back to the Americas. The plant belongs to the species Cucurbita pepo, which includes various types of squashes and pumpkins native to the Mesoamerican region. The cultivation of squashes dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their use by indigenous peoples in Central America long before European contact. After being brought to Europe by early explorers, the plant was selectively bred in Italy to produce the modern zucchini. It gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world in the 20th century, becoming a staple in home gardens and kitchens due to its ease of cultivation and versatility in cooking.
The name "zucchini" comes from the Italian word "zucchino", which is a diminutive of "zucca," meaning "gourd" or "squash." The term "zucchino" translates to "little squash" or "small gourd," reflecting the vegetable's size and its relation to other squashes.
The term "courgette" comes from French. It is the diminutive form of "courge," which also means "gourd" or "squash". The suffix "-ette" in French is used to indicate something small, so "courgette" essentially means "little gourd" or "small squash."