Zucchini vs. Green Squash: Are They the Same Vegetable?
Zucchini is simply the Italian-American name for the same elongated, tender summer squash that British and Australian recipes label green squash or courgette; botanically both terms point to Cucurbita pepo.
People get tripped up because grocery signs, seed packets, and social media recipes swap the words by region—so a shopper in London sees “courgette,” while an Insta chef in Texas calls the identical veg “zucchini.”
Key Differences
None in the produce aisle: same color, texture, and flavor. Only packaging, dialect, and price tags change—zucchini stickers dominate North America, green squash or courgette labels appear elsewhere.
Which One Should You Choose?
Grab whichever is fresher and cheaper; the name won’t affect your ratatouille. If a recipe specifies “courgette” and your store says “zucchini,” proceed confidently.
Examples and Daily Life
Grilling? Skewer zucchini rounds. Spiralizing? Green squash noodles work the same. Farmers’ markets often list both names side-by-side to avoid confusion.
Can I substitute yellow squash for zucchini?
Yes—flavor and cook time are nearly identical; color is the only shift.
Is zucchini healthier than cucumber?
No; both are low-calorie, but zucchini offers more vitamin C and fiber.