Courgettes

Part of the same family as cucumber, squash and melon, courgettes have become a popular food due to its versatility. It can be used in most savoury recipes as well as some sweet dishes too. Quick and easy to cook, you can also use the whole courgette so all the goodness goes into the food we eat and not the bin.

How to store

How to store fresh courgettes

Courgettes should be stored in the fridge.

Freezing courgettes

Courgettes can be frozen in a sealed bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

Storing cooked courgettes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Courgettes top tips

How to freeze and defrost

To freeze: Cut courgettes lengthways and grill before freezing.

To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking or reheating.

Eating the whole food

There’s no need to peel them so just top and tail and use in your meal.

Be fabulous with leftovers

Leftover courgettes? They are great cooked or raw. Use a potato peeler to slice them into ribbons for salads or grate and fry with garlic and chilli for a delicious pasta dish. Grating courgette into chilli or Bolognaise is a great way of getting some veg in there that won’t be noticed.

Buying tips

Think about buying courgettes loose to help you buy only what you need. This will ensure that all your food is more likely to be eaten and saved from the bin.

If you use courgettes mainly for cooking, think about swapping fresh for a frozen mix of courgettes, peppers, aubergines, etc. (sometimes called a Mediterranean mix). Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option.

Perfect portions

Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.

Use portion calculator

Valuing your Courgettes beyond the price tag

Goodness in food

Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.

Good source of a mineral called potassium which helps control the balance of fluids in the body, and also helps the heart muscle work properly.
Great source of vitamin C which helps to maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.
One portion of courgettes counts as one of your five-a-day portions.

Food story

By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.

So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!