Zucchini

**Zucchini**, also known in some regions as a **courgette**, is a popular summer squash that is botanically a fruit, but is used culinarily as a vegetable. It is a cultivar of *Cucurbita pepo*, the same species that includes pumpkins and yellow squash. * **Appearance: ** Zucchini is typically long, cylindrical, and smooth-skinned, ranging in color from dark green to light green or even yellow. It is harvested when immature, while the skin is still soft and the seeds are small. * **Flavor Profile: ** The flavor is generally **mild, slightly sweet, and delicate**, which makes it highly versatile. Its high-water content contributes to its moist texture when cooked. * **Culinary Use: ** Zucchini can be eaten raw but is more commonly cooked. It is often grilled, sautéed, baked, or fried. It is a staple in many cuisines and can be used in: * Sautéed side dishes * Bread and muffins ("zucchini bread") * Soups and stews * *Zoodles* (spiralized into noodles as a pasta substitute) * The flowers (*zucchini blossoms*) are also edible and often fried or stuffed.