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Zucchini vs. Courgette — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Zucchini and courgette refer to the same vegetable; "zucchini" is commonly used in American English, while "courgette" is used in British English. Both are a type of summer squash, long and green with soft flesh.
Zucchini vs. Courgette — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Zucchini and Courgette

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Key Differences

Zucchini and courgette refer to the same vegetable, primarily distinguished by regional naming preferences. In the United States and parts of Italy, the term "zucchini" is the favored expression, while "courgette" is more commonly used in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa. Despite the different monikers, they describe the same green, cylindrical summer squash that's a staple in many cuisines.
Diving into the etymology, "zucchini" is derived from the Italian "zucca," which means squash. This highlights its Italian-American roots and gives a nod to the culinary traditions from where it became popular in the Americas. On the other hand, "courgette" is of French origin, stemming from the word "courge," which means gourd or squash, indicating its adoption and popularization in regions influenced by French cuisine.
In the culinary world, both zucchini and courgette are versatile ingredients. They can be grilled, steamed, roasted, or even eaten raw in salads. Additionally, zucchini (or courgette) blossoms — the flowers produced by the plant — are also considered a delicacy in many culinary traditions. Whether you're making zucchini bread in America or courgette fritters in the UK, you're enjoying the same delightful vegetable.
Size can sometimes play a role in the nomenclature, although this is not a strict rule. In some contexts, particularly in the UK, "courgette" might refer to smaller and younger versions of the vegetable, while "marrow" might be used to describe larger, more mature specimens. In the U.S., however, the term zucchini can refer to the vegetable regardless of its size. In either case, whether you encounter a dish with zucchini or courgette on the menu, you can expect the same familiar taste and texture.

Comparison Chart

Spelling

Common in American English
Common in British English
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Pronunciation

Zuh-kee-nee
Koor-zhet

Culinary Use

Widely used in savory and sweet dishes
Commonly used in savory dishes

Length

Longer and more cylindrical
Slightly shorter and plumper

Color

Often green, but can be yellow or white
Typically green

Compare with Definitions

Zucchini

Used in baking, zucchini bread is a popular treat.
I love making zucchini bread with homegrown zucchinis.

Courgette

Courgette fries are a tasty snack.
I enjoy dipping courgette fries in garlic aioli.

Zucchini

A versatile vegetable for grilling.
Grilled zucchini is a delicious side dish.

Courgette

A green summer squash commonly used in European cuisine.
Ratatouille is made with fresh courgettes.

Zucchini

A green summer squash often used in salads.
I added sliced zucchini to my garden salad.

Courgette

Courgette soup is a comforting dish.
I made a creamy courgette soup for dinner.

Zucchini

Zucchinis can grow to impressive sizes in gardens.
This giant zucchini weighed over five pounds.

Courgette

Courgettes are often roasted with herbs.
Roasted courgettes with rosemary are a favorite side dish.

Zucchini

Zucchinis can be spiralized into noodles.
Zucchini noodles make a healthy alternative to pasta.

Courgette

A zucchini.

Zucchini

The zucchini ( (listen); plural: zucchini or zucchinis), courgette (; plural: courgettes) or baby marrow (Cucurbita pepo) is a summer squash, a vining herbaceous plant whose fruit are harvested when their immature seeds and epicarp (rind) are still soft and edible. It is closely related, but not identical, to the marrow; its fruit may be called marrow when mature.

Courgette

A particular variety of Cucurbita pepo, a small marrow/squash.

Zucchini

A variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) having an elongated shape and a smooth, thin, dark green rind.

Courgette

The edible fruit of this marrow/squash.

Zucchini

A courgette; a variety of squash, Cucurbita pepo, which bears edible fruit.

Courgette

A marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small; - called also zucchini.

Zucchini

The edible fruit of this variety of squash.

Courgette

A small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow; typically dark green; - called also zucchini.

Zucchini

Marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small

Courgette

Marrow squash plant whose fruit are eaten when small

Zucchini

Small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow; typically dark green

Courgette

Small cucumber-shaped vegetable marrow; typically dark green

Courgette

Courgette flowers can be stuffed and fried.
Stuffed courgette blossoms are a delicacy.

Common Curiosities

Are courgettes a common sight in French cooking?

Yes, courgettes are used in classic French dishes like ratatouille.

Can you eat zucchini raw?

Yes, zucchini can be eaten raw in salads or as a crunchy snack.

Are courgettes and zucchinis GMO vegetables?

No, neither courgettes nor zucchinis are genetically modified vegetables.

Can you substitute zucchini for cucumbers in salads?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced zucchini as a cucumber substitute in salads.

What's the difference between yellow and green zucchini?

Yellow zucchini is a variety with a milder flavor but is generally used interchangeably with green zucchini.

Are zucchini and courgette flowers edible?

Yes, both zucchini and courgette flowers can be stuffed and fried.

Are zucchinis and courgettes high in fiber?

Yes, both vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber.

Are zucchini and courgette the same vegetable?

Yes, they both refer to the same summer squash, with different names in American and British English.

Is zucchini a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine?

Yes, zucchini is used in various Italian dishes like pasta, risotto, and frittatas.

Is it true that courgettes are called "zucchinis" in North America?

No, in North America, they are commonly referred to as "zucchinis."

Can you freeze zucchini for later use?

Yes, you can freeze zucchini for use in soups, stews, or baked goods.

Are zucchinis and courgettes low in calories?

Yes, both are low-calorie vegetables, making them a healthy addition to meals.

What are some popular zucchini dishes in American cuisine?

Zucchini bread, zucchini noodles (zoodles), and stuffed zucchini are popular American dishes.

Can you use zucchini or courgette in baking sweet treats?

Yes, zucchini is often used in recipes for cakes and muffins.

Are zucchinis and courgettes easy to grow in home gardens?

Yes, both are relatively easy to grow in home gardens and can produce abundant harvests.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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