A History of Courgette

Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo) originate in the Americas, where their wild ancestors were domesticated over 7,000 years ago in what is now Mexico. Indigenous peoples cultivated early squashes primarily for their seeds, later selecting plants for tender fruits and edible flowers. These plants were introduced to Europe in the 16th century following the Columbian exchange, but for several centuries they were grown mainly as large, mature squashes rather than harvested young.

The modern courgette as we know it was developed in Italy in the late 19th century, where growers began harvesting immature fruits for their delicate flavour and soft skin. The name courgette itself comes from French, meaning “little squash,” reflecting this relatively recent culinary innovation. The practice spread slowly north through Europe and reached the UK in the early to mid-20th century, becoming more common after the Second World War as diets broadened and Mediterranean cooking gained popularity.

In Britain, courgettes were initially regarded as a novelty crop, grown in kitchen gardens and under glass due to the cooler climate. Their rapid growth, high yields, and versatility soon made them a favourite on allotments and in home gardens. By the late 20th century, courgettes had become a summer staple in UK growing culture, valued for their productivity and for encouraging seasonal, home-grown eating.

A versatile plant, the flowers are one of the plant’s oldest alternative uses. Both male and female blooms are edible and have long been used in Italian and Mexican cooking; stuffed, battered, or added to salads and soups. The young leaves and growing tips can be eaten when tender, cooked like spinach or used in soups and stews, as in parts of Central America and southern Europe. Older leaves are best avoided as they become coarse and slightly bitter. The seeds are also edible and nutritious, rich in oils and protein. In times of glut they have even been used to make wine or chutneys — a familiar rite of passage for UK allotment growers!

Courgette plants are also useful as living ground cover, their large leaves shade the soil, suppress weeds, and help retain moisture. Spent plants and excess fruits break down quickly in compost, returning nutrients to the soil.

Today, courgettes are firmly embedded in British gardens, bridging ancient Mesoamerican agriculture and modern European culinary tradition. Their history reflects how plant use evolves over time — shaped not just by where a plant comes from, but by how people choose to harvest, cook, and value it.