Courgette

[russweth]

I was given 3 Courgette plants around the middle of June which i duly planted in my allotment, now i have several 'fruits' approx 8" in length,
When And How do you know they are ready to remove from the plant, Anyone know how to cook them?

[russweth]

[allaboutliverpool]

They are already overgrown. Pull to encourage new ones.

Courgettes are a type of marrow that is eaten when small.

Pull them now and enjoy. They can be eaten raw in salad, grated, chopped or sliced like cucumber, they have a delicious nutty flavour.

Also they can be cooked, on heir own, gently sauteed but not cooked to a mush, or have other things added such as onion or tomato.

They are the basis of the classic ratatuille (no rat needed).

More details and photos on
http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_courgettes.html

[OllieC]

I suspect you know this, but when he says "pull", he means "pull gently & twist", or "cut"!

[bajmoe]

I'm just  going to pick my first Courgettes this week, a like them when there about 4/5 " long, saute them off in a frying pan in olive oil with finely chopped rosemary sprigs ad a splash of balsamic vinegar then when there starting to brown throw in cherry tomatoes halved, goes nice with my pork chops, i am also looking forward to using the flower for the first time, I'm going to deep fat fry the flowers stuffed with ricotta with mint.

Bajmoe

[Suzanne]

I like them raw as well - use a potato peeler to create long thin strips and dress with a lemon vinagrette.

[antipodes]

They are already overgrown. Pull to encourage new ones.

Pull them now and enjoy.

Yes, grasp the fruit near where it joins the plant and twist gently until it breaks off. Larger ones are good for ratatouille, you might need to cut out some of the seed part.
Ratatouille - cook up diced in a big pan with onions, garlic, diced aubergine, tomato with bay, basil and some chopped parsley to finish.