Zucchini is a member of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, and is one of the most widely cultivated types of summer squash globally. Although commonly prepared and consumed as a vegetable, the zucchini fruit is technically a botanical fruit because it develops from the plant’s flower and contains seeds. The modern cylindrical zucchini cultivar was developed in northern Italy in the late 19th century, though its ancestry traces back to squashes first domesticated in Mesoamerica over 7,000 years ago. This prolific plant is prized for its mild flavor and tender texture when harvested while immature, typically between 6 and 8 inches long. Zucchini offers a spectrum of colors, shapes, and textures for both home gardeners and commercial markets.
The Primary Categories of Zucchini
Zucchini varieties are generally classified based on color and fruit shape. The most common distinction is color, separating varieties into the familiar green and the less common yellow types. Green zucchini ranges from a deep, almost black hue, as seen in the ‘Black Beauty,’ to lighter, mottled, or striped patterns found on types like ‘Cocozelle.’ Yellow zucchini, sometimes called golden zucchini, offers a bright color that makes them visually appealing in dishes, with varieties like ‘Gold Rush’ having a slightly sweeter profile.
Shape is the other major category, primarily distinguishing between cylindrical and round forms. The cylindrical type is the standard zucchini shape found in most grocery stores, growing long and straight. Round or globe-shaped zucchini, sometimes referred to as ‘Tondo’ varieties, are compact and spherical, making them well-suited for specific culinary applications. Additionally, the plant’s growth habit is a practical classification for gardeners. Most modern cultivars are compact, non-vining bush-type plants, contrasting with older heirloom or vining types that require more space or a trellis.
Profiles of Specific Cultivars
The ‘Black Beauty’ cultivar is perhaps the most recognized variety, characterized by its uniformly dark green, glossy skin and creamy white interior flesh. This prolific plant produces abundant, straight fruits that maintain a good texture when sliced. They are highly versatile for grilling, sautéing, or baking into breads.
The Italian heirloom ‘Costata Romanesco’ features prominent longitudinal ribs and skin mottled with light green streaks. Its unique texture is firmer and less watery than common types, offering a nutty flavor. This variety performs exceptionally well when roasted or grilled.
The ‘Cocozelle’ variety presents a striking appearance with its long, slender fruit covered in alternating stripes of dark and light green. This Italian heirloom is known for its rich flavor and firm flesh. It is traditionally harvested when small, making it excellent for slicing and frying.
For visual contrast, the ‘Gold Rush’ zucchini is a vibrant, golden-yellow cultivar that retains its color even when cooked. Its tender skin and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it a preferred choice for raw applications, such as spiralizing into “zoodles” or adding color to a fresh summer salad.
Round varieties such as ‘Eight Ball’ or ‘Ronde de Nice’ are bred to be perfectly spherical. Their compact, orb-like shape makes them ideal for hollowing out and stuffing with ground meat, grains, or cheese before baking.
The ‘Magda’ zucchini, a Middle Eastern variety, is a pale, apple-green color with a slightly tapered, oval shape. This cultivar has a dense, firm flesh that holds its shape well under high heat, making it a flavorful option for stir-fries and stuffing applications.
Zucchini Versus Other Summer Squash
Zucchini is a specific type of summer squash, all of which belong to the species Cucurbita pepo. This botanical classification means zucchini shares its species with familiar summer squashes like pattypan, crookneck, and straightneck varieties. The primary difference is morphological, as zucchini is defined by its long, straight, and uniformly cylindrical fruit shape.
Other members of the Cucurbita pepo group possess distinct forms. Crookneck squash is characterized by a swollen base and a sharply curving neck, while straightneck squash maintains the bulbous base but has a straight neck. Pattypan squash is easily identified by its flattened, disc-like shape with scalloped edges. All summer squashes are eaten when immature for their tender skin and seeds.