COURGETTE	VEGETABLES - KNOW YOUR VEG

A member of the squash family, the courgette or zucchini is a summer squash with tender flesh and seeds and soft edible skin. Courgettes range in size from about 6 cm to 15 cm, and baby courgettes have the sweeter flavour. As well as the familiar green type, attractive bright yellow courgettes are also available. When buying either type, look for small (larger courgettes tend to have tougher skins), firm courgettes with smooth unblemished skins and a bright colour. Courgette flowers can also be eaten they are a rich yellow colour and can be coated in batter and deep fried or they can be stuffed and steamed or baked.

How To Use Courgette

Courgettes can be eaten raw or cooked. Finely chopped or grated raw courgettes and carrot can be mixed together and drizzled with French dressing to make a classic simple salad. Sliced raw courgette can be added to a green salad. Courgettes can be fried in butter or steamed and served with lemon juice as a mouthwatering side dish. They can also be included in tarts, risottos, pasta sauces and vegetable bakes and are a main ingredient in the classic Mediterranean vegetable dish, ratatouille.

How To Prepare Courgette

Wash and top and tail courgettes. They do not need peeling. Slice or cut into even-sized chunks

How To Cook Courgette

Courgettes can be fried or steamed, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the slices or size of the chunks. To fry courgettes, heat a little butter and olive oil in a frying pan and add the prepared courgettes, stir-fry for 5 - 6 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with lemon juice and black pepper to serve. To steam courgettes, place the prepared courgettes in a steamer and cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until tender.

How To Store Courgette

Keep refrigerated after purchase.

The information and images for this article have come from www.thinkvegetables.co.uk. It provides full information on all the main vegetables available on the UK market including nutritional information and delicious recipes. The site is a service provided by Mack Vegetables, one of the largest and most successful suppliers of fresh vegetables in the UK, serving a wide range of customers from caterers to major multiples. You can find out more about Mack by visiting the website at www.mwmack.co.uk