Courgette vs. Marrow — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Courgette, also known as zucchini, is a small, green summer squash, while marrow is a larger, mature squash with a thicker skin.
Difference Between Courgette and Marrow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Courgettes are typically harvested while still young and tender, making them ideal for quick cooking methods. In contrast, marrows are left to grow larger and develop a tougher skin, which requires longer cooking times.
In culinary uses, courgettes are versatile, used in dishes from stir-fries to cakes. On the other hand, marrows, due to their size and texture, are often stuffed and baked.
Courgettes have a high water content and a mild, somewhat sweet flavor, which makes them popular in salads and light dishes. Whereas marrows have a more pronounced flavor and a meatier texture, suitable for heartier meals.
In terms of nutrition, courgettes are low in calories and contain useful amounts of folate, potassium, and vitamin A. Marrows, while similar, provide more fiber due to their mature nature.
The skin of a courgette is soft and edible, often requiring no peeling, making them a quick option for preparation. Conversely, marrow often requires peeling due to its thicker, tougher skin.
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Comparison Chart
Size and maturity
Small, young, and tender
Larger, mature, and tougher
Culinary uses
Stir-fries, cakes, salads
Typically stuffed and baked
Flavor and texture
Mild, sweet, high water content
More pronounced flavor, meatier texture
Nutritional value
Low calories, contains folate and potassium
Higher in fiber
Skin
Soft and edible without peeling
Thick, often requires peeling
Compare with Definitions
Courgette
Often green, cylindrical, and smooth-skinned.
She grilled the courgettes whole, seasoned with herbs.
Marrow
Often used in dishes that highlight its texture.
Baked marrow is a staple in traditional British cuisine.
Courgette
A small, fast-growing summer squash.
I added thinly sliced courgette to the salad for a touch of green.
Marrow
A mature squash with a thick, hard skin.
The marrow was cut in half and stuffed with a spiced mince.
Courgette
High in water and mild in flavor.
The soup featured pureed courgette as a base.
Marrow
Larger and more bulbous compared to courgettes.
The garden’s marrows were ready for harvesting, robust and large.
Courgette
Known as zucchini in the Americas.
Zucchini bread is a popular way to use up excess courgettes.
Marrow
Typically peeled due to its tough outer skin.
After peeling the marrow, she chopped it into chunks for the stew.
Courgette
Common in both raw and cooked forms.
Raw courgette ribbons are a fresh addition to spring dishes.
Marrow
Requires longer cooking to soften.
She slow-roasted the marrow to bring out its deeper flavors.
Courgette
A zucchini.
Marrow
Bone marrow.
Courgette
A particular variety of Cucurbita pepo, a small marrow/squash.
Marrow
The spinal cord.
Courgette
The edible fruit of this marrow/squash.
Marrow
The marrow squash.
Courgette
A marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small; - called also zucchini.
Marrow
The inmost, choicest, or essential part; the pith.
Courgette
A small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow; typically dark green; - called also zucchini.
Marrow
Strength or vigor; vitality.
Courgette
Marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small
Marrow
(countable) A kind of vegetable like a large courgette/zucchini or squash.
Courgette
Small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow; typically dark green
Marrow
The pith of certain plants.
Marrow
The essence; the best part.
Marrow
The inner meaning or purpose.
Marrow
Bone marrow biopsy.
This patient will have a marrow today.
Marrow
(obsolete) Semen.
Marrow
A friend, pal, buddy, mate.
Cheers marrow!
Marrow
One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate.
Marrow
The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in color.
Marrow
The essence; the best part.
It takes from our achievements . . .The pith and marrow of our attribute.
Marrow
One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate.
Chopping and changing I can not commend,With thief or his marrow, for fear of ill end.
Marrow
To fill with, or as with, marrow or fat; to glut.
Marrow
The fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones
Marrow
Any of various squash plants grown for their elongated fruit with smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh
Marrow
Very tender and very nutritious tissue from marrowbones
Marrow
Large elongated squash with creamy to deep green skins
Marrow
The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
The gist of the prosecutor's argument
The heart and soul of the Republican Party
The nub of the story
Common Curiosities
Is marrow good for stuffing?
Yes, its large size and firm texture make it ideal for stuffing.
How do you prepare marrow for cooking?
Marrow typically needs to be peeled and can be baked, stuffed, or stewed.
Why is courgette also called zucchini
? Zucchini is the Italian and American name for courgette, which is the British term.
What is the main difference between courgette and marrow?
Courgette is harvested young and is tender, while marrow is allowed to grow larger and develop a tough skin.
Can you substitute courgette for marrow in recipes?
Yes, but adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be necessary due to differences in texture and moisture content.
Are courgettes available year-round?
While seasonal in summer, courgettes can often be found throughout the year in supermarkets.
How can you tell when a marrow is ripe?
A ripe marrow will have a firm outer skin and sound hollow when tapped.
What are the nutritional benefits of courgette?
Courgettes are low in calories but rich in vitamins such as folate and potassium.
What’s the best way to store courgettes?
Courgettes should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few days for best quality.
Can courgette be eaten raw?
Yes, courgette can be eaten raw.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
