Zucchini

Zucchini is a type of summer squash in the gourd family, grown for its edible immature fruit.

Zucchini is a type of summer squash in the gourd family, grown for its edible immature fruit. It is botanically classified as a variety of *Cucurbita pepo* and is commonly cooked as a vegetable, although the fruit is technically a berry. In Canada, zucchini is commonly grown and sold, with the term standard in Canadian English.

Botanical classification

Zucchini is a cultivated form of *Cucurbita pepo* in the Cucurbitaceae family. Sources describe it as a summer squash and a herbaceous vining plant with separate male and female flowers on the same plant.

Description and use

The edible part is the immature fruit, usually long, cylindrical, and green, though some varieties may be yellow. It is commonly cooked and used in savoury dishes, though it can also be eaten in baked goods.

Nomenclature

The name zucchini is used mainly in North American English, while courgette is common in British English and other regions. The word is associated with Italian usage and related terms for squash.

Origin and cultivation

Sources indicate that the broader species originated in the Americas, while the zucchini form was developed in Italy. It is widely grown in gardens and commercial production because it produces edible fruits quickly during the summer season.