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Courgette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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courgette

[kʊəˈʒɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

A long, green-skinned fruit with white flesh, usually eaten as a vegetable.

Synonyms

zucchini.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
courgette

This term is primarily used in British English. It's commonly referred to in recipes and cooking instructions in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

  • Slice the courgette thinly and add it to the stir-fry.
  • The courgette adds a subtle flavor to the dish.
zucchini

This is the term used in American English. It's used in the United States and Canada, especially in cooking, grocery shopping, and recipes.

  • The recipe calls for three medium zucchinis.
  • Grilled zucchini makes for a great side dish.

Examples of usage

  • I'm going to cook a delicious courgette stir-fry for dinner.
  • Would you like some grilled courgette with your meal?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Courgettes can be eaten raw, grilled, sautéed, or even made into bread and muffins.
  • This vegetable is often used in ratatouille, a famous French dish featuring various vegetables.
  • When grated, courgettes can be added to salads or used as a low-carb pasta alternative.

Nutritional Facts

  • It's low in calories and high in vitamin C, making it a great choice for healthy eating.
  • Rich in water content, courgettes help with hydration and are good for digestion.
  • They contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Agriculture

  • Courgettes are typically harvested in the summer months, with peak harvest times being July and August.
  • They grow quickly, with some varieties able to be harvested within 45-50 days after planting.
  • This vegetable is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons.

Cultural Significance

  • In France, courgettes are often featured in traditional dishes and celebrated in local festivals.
  • Some cultures hold courgettes as a symbol of the summer harvest, celebrating cooking and gardening.
  • The popularity of this vegetable has spread globally, leading to diverse culinary adaptations in various cuisines.

Origin of 'courgette'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'courgette' comes from French, where it means 'small squash'.
  • In the US, it's commonly known as 'zucchini', which is borrowed from Italian.
  • The term reflects the vegetable's size — 'courgette' being the diminutive form of 'courge', meaning squash in French.

The word 'courgette' originated from French, where it means 'small squash'. It was later adopted into English in the 19th century. Courgettes are a type of summer squash and are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,211, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.