Courgettes or Zucchini belong to the gourd or squash family and are a marrying type of a baby marrow. They came originally from America where they have been grown over 6000 years. Courgettes, together with avocados and chilies are among the oldest cultivated plants.
Zucchino is the diminutive form of the Italian word ‘Zucca’ meaning gourd. They are harvested when unripe and only 15-20cm long. They are usually dark green but there are several other types that are flecked or striped, white, yellow, milky white and golden. Young, tender zucchini do not have to be peeled but some people find the skin of the larger ones slightly bitter. They are boiled or fried in vegetable dishes and can also be added raw to salads.
Even the yellow Courgettes are getting popular in our kitchens.
Like all gourd vegetables, Courgettes contain a great deal of water, are low in calories, rich in vitamins and easy to digest.
Storage:
Keep for 3-4 days in the in the vegetable section of the refrigerator or other cool places.
