Courgettes

The origin of the courgette, a vegetable grown in hot climates, is unknown. They belong to the squash and pumpkin family, but unlike these they are eaten young, and therefore have a high water content. They are a low-calorie, low-fat food, but are high in fibre, which makes them very suitable for dieting. They are always eaten cooked, roasted, fried or boiled, and are found in many dishes both in Oriental and Western cuisine.