Is a Courgette a Marrow? Understanding the Difference Between These Two Garden Staples

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered whether a courgette and a marrow are the same thing, you’re not alone. At first glance, they seem almost identical—both green, both from the same plant family, and often grown in the same garden bed. But what’s the real difference?
Is a courgette just a young marrow? Or are they different vegetables altogether?

In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between courgettes and marrows, including how they grow, how they taste, and how to use them in cooking. Whether you’re a curious cook or a keen gardener, this guide will settle the courgette vs marrow debate once and for all.

Are Courgettes and Marrows the Same Thing?

The short answer: Yes – and no.

• Botanically: Courgettes and marrows are the same plant species: Cucurbita pepo.
• Culturally and culinarily: They are considered different vegetables based on size, maturity, and use.

So in simple terms:
A marrow is a mature courgette.

Key Differences Between Courgettes and Marrows

So while they are technically the same vegetable, the age at which they’re harvested changes their culinary identity and texture.

Botanical Background

Both courgettes and marrows belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes:

• Pumpkins
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Melons

Their shared scientific name is Cucurbita pepo, meaning they originate from the same seed and plant type. Whether your plant produces courgettes or marrows depends on how long you let the fruit grow before harvesting.

Growing Courgettes and Marrows: What’s the Difference?

Same plant, different harvest times.

• To grow courgettes: Harvest fruits early, when they’re young and tender (10–15cm long).
• To grow marrows: Leave the same fruit on the plant to mature and grow large.

What changes:

• Seeds get larger and harder
• Skin becomes thicker
• Flesh gets more watery and fibrous

So if you forget to pick a courgette for a few weeks—it naturally becomes a marrow!

Flavour and Texture Comparison

Courgettes:

• Soft, tender skin
• Mild, slightly sweet flavour
• Delicate, fine flesh
• Quick to cook

Marrows:

• Bland, sometimes bitter flavour
• Thicker skin—often peeled before cooking
• Larger seed cavity
• Works best when stuffed or slow-cooked

Courgettes are more popular for fresh eating, while marrows are often used in traditional British recipes, like stuffed marrow or marrow chutney.

Nutritional Differences

Both are low in calories and high in water, but nutritional values differ slightly due to maturity.

Both are ideal for low-calorie, hydrating diets.

Can You Cook Courgettes Like Marrows (and Vice Versa)?

Yes—but with adjustments.

Courgettes:

• Best for quick-cook methods: grilling, stir-frying, roasting
• Works raw in salads or spiralised
• Doesn’t need peeling or de-seeding

Marrows:

• Ideal for stuffing, baking, or slow cooking
• Often peeled and de-seeded
• Absorbs flavour in curries, stews, chutneys

If substituting, expect a difference in texture and water content.

Popular Recipes Using Each

Courgette Recipes:

• Courgette fritters
• Grilled courgette with lemon & herbs
• Courgette & feta pasta
• Courgette chocolate cake
• Courgette noodles (zoodles)

Marrow Recipes:

• Classic stuffed marrow with minced meat or lentils
• Marrow curry with spices and tomatoes
• Marrow and ginger chutney
• Marrow soup with root veg
• Baked marrow with cheese and breadcrumbs

Gardeners’ Tip: Why Grow Marrows at All?

• Preserve courgettes that get too big
• Create large fruits for baking or stuffing
• Fun to grow in kids’ gardens (fast, dramatic growth)
• Can be used for marrow wine or chutney

Some varieties are bred specifically to become marrows (e.g. ‘Green Bush Marrow’), but most courgette plants can produce them if left to mature.

Marrow in the UK vs. Zucchini in the US

• In the UK, small fruits are “courgettes” and large ones are “marrows.”
• In the US, all sizes are usually called “zucchini.” Large zucchini are just “big zucchini.”

The term “marrow” is more culturally specific to British and Commonwealth countries.

Can You Eat Overgrown Courgettes?

Yes—but they’ll be tougher and less sweet. If you’ve missed a courgette or two, treat them as marrows:

• Peel the skin
• Remove large seeds
• Stuff or stew for best results

Avoid eating them raw, as the texture is fibrous and can be bitter.

Conclusion

So, is a courgette a marrow?
Yes—they’re the same plant, but picked at different stages of growth.

• Pick it young? It’s a courgette.
• Leave it to grow big? It becomes a marrow.

Understanding the difference helps you use them better in cooking, manage your garden harvest, and make the most of both vegetables throughout the season. Whether you prefer delicate courgettes or hearty marrows, both have a place in the home kitchen—and garden.

Top 10 Questions and Answers About Courgettes and Marrows

1. Is a courgette just a young marrow?

Yes. A courgette is a young, immature version of a marrow.

2. Do courgettes and marrows come from the same plant?

Yes, both are Cucurbita pepo and grow on the same plant.

3. Can I eat marrow raw like courgette?

Not recommended—marrow is tougher and more fibrous. Courgettes are better raw.

4. What happens if I don’t harvest a courgette?

It will grow larger and become a marrow.

5. Is marrow more nutritious than courgette?

They’re similar, but courgette tends to have more vitamin C and better texture for raw dishes.

6. Can I use marrow instead of courgette in recipes?

Yes—but expect a softer texture and milder flavour.

7. Do courgettes and marrows taste the same?

Courgettes are sweeter and more tender; marrows are blander and more watery.

8. How do I know when to pick a courgette?

When it’s 10–20cm long and still glossy. Don’t let it get too big unless you want a marrow.

9. Can I grow marrows intentionally?

Yes. Just let the fruits mature on the vine. Some varieties are bred specifically for this.

10. What can I do with overgrown courgettes?

Treat them like marrows—peel, de-seed, and cook in soups, stews, or chutneys.