Though often categorized as a vegetable, zucchini is originally a fruit that grows out of a flower and contains seeds. It contains plenty of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, but its best quality remains its high versatility in cooking.
You can cook zucchini by grilling, sauteing, frying, or even baking, and you can eat some of its varieties raw.
The best part? There are plenty of different types of zucchini that you can experiment with!
In this article, we’ll discuss the 18 types of zucchini that you probably don’t know about.
An Overview of Zucchini and Its Family
Zucchinis are the edible fruits of a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.
They’re a variety of summer squash, and they belong to the same family that includes pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
Compared to other fruits, zucchinis are considered fast growers. The plant needs approximately 45–60 days to start blooming, which is faster than most.
Zucchinis grow on a bushy plant with large leaves and prickly trichomes on the stem. Its flowers usually have bright yellow and orange petals.
💡 Interestingly enough, zucchinis have been around for longer than you think. It’s believed that they were present during the Paleolithic period in a wild variety.
The theory is that the Mexicans selected the zucchini that we know today and started growing it, and then it moved across borders to the rest of the world.
Jump To
- An Overview of Zucchini and Its Family
- 18 Types of Zucchini You Can Use in the Kitchen
- 🥒 Zucchini Varieties
- 1. Pattypan Squash
- 2. Crookneck Squash
- 3. Round de Nice Zucchini (Round or Ball Zucchini)
- 4. Magda
- 5. Costata Romanesco Zucchini
- 6. Black Beauty
- 7. Cocozelle
- 8. Gourmet Gold (Yellow Zucchini)
- 9. Dunja Zucchini
- 10. Golden Egg
- 11. Zephyr
- 12. Rampicante Zucchini
- 13. Caserta
- 14. Bianco di Trieste Zucchini
- 15. Green Bush Zucchini
- 16. Green Egg Squash
- 17. Lebanese Zucchini
- 18. Gadzukes
- What is the best zucchini to grow at home? Our picks:
- How To Choose The Right Type of Zucchini For Cooking
- How Do You Pick Zucchini That Is Not Bitter?
- Choosing Best Zucchini Variety For Growing
- What Is The Easiest Zucchini To Grow?
- What Is A Hybrid Zucchini?
- Cooking Zucchini: Frequently Asked Questions
- Zucchini Growing: Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Did you like this article?
- Zucchini Recipes
- Comments
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.
18 Types of Zucchini You Can Use in the Kitchen
Though most people only know about three or four varieties of zucchini, there are many more types that you can use in the kitchen.
Some types are better suited for stuffing, and others are better fits for grilling and roasting.
🥒 Zucchini Varieties
Here’s a brief overview of each type:
1. Pattypan Squash
Pattypan squash is a variety of zucchini known for its shallow shape and scalloped edges. It’s so unique that you’ll hardly find any fruit or veggie that looks like it, and it’s often either white, green, or most commonly, yellow.
Like most zucchinis, pattypans are fast growers. They’ll be ready for harvesting after 45–70 days on average.
🍴 Best For: Because of its shallow shape and soft texture, pattypan squash is great for stuffing. Its sweet taste is 100x times better when roasted or grilled.
You can always eat it raw, but it tastes better when cooked.
2. Crookneck Squash
Do you know those yellow fruits with curvy, crooked necks that you often see at grocery stores?
Those are the hardly mistakable crookneck squashes!
If you thought pattypans had unique shapes, you’re about to change your mind.
These distinct-looking fruits have oval bodies and may be green or white. They’re loaded with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for many dishes.
🍴 Best For: Crookneck squashes can be used in zucchini casseroles, soups, or pasta, sauteed, grilled, or roasted. Use olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and choose your favorite cooking method. They’ll taste delightful in all forms.
3. Round de Nice Zucchini (Round or Ball Zucchini)
If you ate stuffed zucchini before, you’re probably familiar with this variety.
Round zucchini is one of the most common varieties of zucchini fruit, thanks to its mildly sweet taste and nutty undertone.
🍴 Best For: Most people cook round zucchinis by scooping out their insides, stuffing them, and baking them. Their round shape and soft texture make them perfect for stuffing, and you can either bake them or air-fry them.
You can also go out of your comfort zone and use them as bowls for serving zucchini soup. They’re pretty versatile to have around.
4. Magda
Magda is a thin zucchini variety that grows in the Middle East, mainly in Lebanon. It looks similar to traditional zucchini, but it is pale green rather than the dark green we’re used to.
On top of that, it has an oval elongated frame with tapered ends.
🍴 Best For: You can use Magda zucchini in stir-fries, soups, salads, or even baked goods.
Because of their crunchy and juicy texture, they’re also perfect for grilled dishes. However, they lose some of their taste in storage, so it's better to eat them fresh.
Magda zucchini has the same sweet taste as most varieties, but its flesh is slightly firmer than traditional zucchini.
The best thing about these Middle Eastern treats is that they’re low in calories yet high in nutrients. They contain plenty of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
5. Costata Romanesco Zucchini
Costata Romanesco zucchini, also called Romanesco zucchini, is an Italian heirloom variety known for its tender, gray-green skin and prominent ribbing, giving it a unique appearance.
🍴 Best For: Best picked at 6 inches or smaller, it's often fried whole with the flower still attached.
Additionally, it's perfect for grilling or roasting, and its firm texture makes it a great choice for slicing or using as a pasta substitute in dishes like lasagna.
6. Black Beauty
Despite their name, black beauty zucchinis aren’t actually black. They are dark green on the outside and pale white on the inside.
Like Magdas, these zucchinis have elongated shapes with tapered ends, but they’re more slender. Besides, they’re more common; you’ll likely find them in all grocery stores.
If you want to grow your own black beauties, I have good news for you. They’re among the most widely grown varieties in home gardens because they’re prolific producers. You’ll get a bunch of zucchini from one or two plants!
Aside from that, their compact size makes them easy to grow in small spaces.
7. Cocozelle
Cocozelle zucchinis have the same shape as black beauties, but instead of the smooth dark green skin, they have a stripped skin with light green and dark green shades.
🍴 Best For: Their firm texture makes them great for grilling or roasting without falling apart.
You can also skewer these zucchinis with chicken kabobs. Their low water content means they won’t turn soggy or release all their moisture on the other veggies.
This quality makes them a great choice for zucchini bread or baked goods.
Some people make cocozelle zucchini by hollowing it out and stuffing it, and some people make them into zucchini boats. In all cases, they’re as versatile as fruits come!
8. Gourmet Gold (Yellow Zucchini)
Gourmet gold zucchini looks like almost every other zucchini: elongated, slender, and bulging at the bottom.
However, unlike zucchini's signature green color, gourmet golds are bright yellow, closer to orange and gold.
🍴 Best For: These golds are incredibly soft, so they’re often used to make frittatas. Use them for salads, pizzas, and baked goods.
They taste similar to most zucchini varieties with a mild sweetness to their flavor. I’d use them in veggie salads because of their bright color!
9. Dunja Zucchini
Dunja zucchini looks strikingly similar to black beauties with the same dark green skin.
It also has a similar taste to most zucchini varieties, and it’s often a top choice for gardeners because it’s easy to grow and harvest.
🍴 Best For: Slice Dinja zucchini and saute with olive oil, garlic, and some herbs. Or, you can hollow them out and stuff them with a mixture of veggies, cooked rice, and herbs.
Some people also use Dunja zucchinis for fritters because they’re easy to grate and have a soft texture.
10. Golden Egg
Golden egg zucchinis have that name because they do look like golden eggs!
Unlike most zucchinis on our list, they’re round and fat, making them closer in shape to pumpkins, which belong to the same family.
Golden eggs are popular among gardeners because they’re fast growers—faster than most zucchini varieties. They can be ready to harvest in 40–45 days, which is shorter than what I can say for most fruits.
🍴 Best For: Round zucchinis have a creamy, buttery texture and a strong sweet flavor. That’s why they’re often used to make pancakes and baked goods like muffins.
11. Zephyr
Zephyr may be the most unique type of zucchinis with its yellow color and light green base. The fruit looks like it’s been dipped in light green paint at the bottom!
Shape isn’t the only unique thing about this variety—its taste also differs from the sweetness you’re used to with other types.
It has a nutty kick to it, and it’s not as smooth or tender as other zucchini. That’s why it’s often eaten raw or with creamy dips.
🍴 Best For: Despite its firm exterior, Zephyr is juicy on the inside, which makes it an excellent option for sauteed dishes and stir-fries.
12. Rampicante Zucchini
Do you remember seeing a zucchini that looks more like a snake? That’s 99% a Rampicante zucchini!
If you thought Zephyr zucchinis were unique, you’re about to think again.
Rampicantes are an Italian variety of zucchinis, and they’re long, slender, and curved towards the bottom with a fat, bulging part.
Some of these zucchinis can grow to 15 inches long, and because the plant is highly productive, they’re available all year round.
Rampicante zucchinis have a tender texture and the same mildly sweet taste as most varieties. They’re also highly nutritious and packed with vitamins A and C.
🍴 Best For: Rampicante zucchini is perfect for winter soups, baking, and grilling. Its dense flesh makes it ideal for feeding a large group, adding a rich texture to any dish.
💡 Interesting Fact: You may find them in some places labeled as Tromboncino zucchini, but both are the same thing.
The name Tromboncino is derived from the word trombone, a musical instrument similar in shape to zucchinis.
13. Caserta
Caserta zucchinis fall into the same category as Cocozelles, featuring the same striped skin.
However, Casertas have lighter shades of green, and they’re wider toward the bottom.
As the plant matures, the fruits may curve toward the edge like crookneck zucchinis, but that only happens when they’re left on the vine.
It’s better to harvest them early to enjoy the tenderness!
A lot of gardeners favor Caserta zucchinis because they’re relatively low-maintenance. On top of that, they don’t need a large space to grow, and they yield a lot of fruits.
🍴 Best For: This variety has a tender texture and a rich flavor, making it an excellent option for stir-fries and sauteed dishes. You can also steam it for a healthy snack in the summer.
Caserta zucchinis are especially popular in Italian dishes like fritters and pasta, but they can be used in all dishes where zucchini is usually used.
14. Bianco di Trieste Zucchini
Bianco de Trieste zucchini is a tasty type of zucchini with short, pale green fruits and creamy flesh.
It's best picked at about 6 inches for the best taste and tenderness.
🍴 Best For: Named after the Italian city where it's popular, this zucchini has shiny skin and a small size, making it great for fresh eating, sautés, and salads.
15. Green Bush Zucchini
Bush Zucchini or Green bush zucchini, a prolific variety that yields dark-skinned fruits throughout the summer.
🍴 Best For: Its compact, bushy growth makes it perfect for smaller gardens, and its tender skins make it ideal for cooking whole or in various recipes.
16. Green Egg Squash
With its oval shape and vibrant green color, it's perfect for any zucchini recipe.
🍴 Best For: Green Egg Zucchini is ideal for grilling, with its caramelized, nutty taste and creamy flesh.
17. Lebanese Zucchini
Lebanese squash, also known as cymling or kusa, is a small, cylindrical squash with a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Widely grown in the Middle East.
🍴 Best For: It's perfect for stuffing and is prized for its quick growth, typically maturing in just 45 days.
18. Gadzukes
Gadzukes zucchinis are an Italian variety with dark green ridged skin and tapered ends. They’re not as tender as other types, falling instead on the crispy side.
That makes them perfect for salads or summer pasta dishes, but not so ideal for baked goods.
🍴 Best For: You can use zukes to make ‘zoodles’ or zucchini noodles. Their relatively tall frame makes them suitable for creating a noodle base.
Like Casertas, Gadzukes zucchinis are favored by some gardeners because they’re resistant to common pests and diseases. Additionally, they have a high yield like most varieties.
What is the best zucchini to grow at home? Our picks:
✅ Pick Black Beauty zucchini for your garden because it grows well in small spaces and containers, saving you space by growing upward. Plus, it tastes fresh with its mild flavor and smooth skin, making it perfect for snacking right from the garden or chilling with other veggies.
✅ For home growing, Cocozelle zucchini is a great choice because it handles hot weather well and keeps producing fruit with enough water. Plus, it looks attractive in the garden and has a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it delicious both fresh and cooked.
✅ For home growing, Striata D’Italia zucchini is an excellent choice because it produces a huge amount of zucchini, enough for a family and their neighbors. However, its high yield might be overwhelming for smaller home gardens, so be prepared for an abundant harvest.
How To Choose The Right Type of Zucchini For Cooking
Pick firm zucchini without soft spots, which can be yellow, dark green, or green with ridges.
Large zucchini may taste less flavorful and are better for baking.
Choose small to medium ones (6-8 inches long, 2 inches or less wide) with shiny, bright green skin.
They should feel firm and heavy for their size. Small scratches or bruises are fine, but avoid zucchini with pitted skin, spongy textures, or soft, wrinkled ends.
How Do You Pick Zucchini That Is Not Bitter?
When harvesting zucchini, remember two things: pick them young and pick them often.
This ensures you won't have overly large, tasteless (and sometimes bitter) squash. You can harvest zucchini at any time without harming the plant.
Choosing Best Zucchini Variety For Growing
Choosing the right zucchini for your garden can be tricky. Whether you're new to gardening or experienced, there are lots of options to consider.
- If you want great flavor, go for French or Italian heirloom zucchinis. If you're after nutrition, pick yellow ones—they're packed with healthy stuff.
- For big harvests, try 'Dunja' or 'Sungreen'.
- And if you want to make interesting meals, go for 'Cocozelle'.
If you've had issues in the past, like powdery mildew or lack of space, there are varieties like 'Dunja' and 'Black Forest' that can help. Just pick what suits your needs and enjoy growing your zucchinis!
When I grow zucchini at home, I buy my seeds online and use Seeds Now. They have my favorite zucchini—Black Beauty and small Summer squash.
Everything I've ordered on Seeds Now ships fast and grows great!
Use the code SAVE10NOW to get 10% off.
What Is The Easiest Zucchini To Grow?
Black Beauty zucchini is simple to grow and gives you lots of zucchinis early on. They have shiny dark-green skin and white inside. They taste mild and are best when picked young with small seeds.
What Is A Hybrid Zucchini?
Hybrid plants, like Black Beauty zucchini, come from crossing two different species or varieties.
They often have greater genetic diversity than their parents, leading to more vigorous growth, increased yield, and larger size.
Many important crops, such as bananas, coffee, wheat, roses, and strawberries, are hybrids, showing the benefits of their diverse genetic makeup.
🥒 READ MORE: Top 10 Zucchini Recipes
Cooking Zucchini: Frequently Asked Questions
Zucchini tastes mild and a bit sweet, similar to cucumber but with a firmer texture and a hint of nutty flavor. It's great in salads, stir-fries, and even baked goods!
To keep zucchini from getting soggy when cooking, try sautéing, grilling, or roasting it at high heat for a short time. These methods help maintain its firm texture and yummy flavor.
The best ways to eat zucchini include grilling, sautéing, roasting, or eating it raw in salads. You can also try it in dishes like zucchini bread or as a substitute for pasta in zucchini noodles.
Another name for zucchini is courgette. They're the same vegetable, just known by different names in different places.
The tastiest zucchini variety varies depending on what you like, but some popular ones are "Black Beauty" for its versatility and "Costata Romanesca" for its nutty flavor and unique texture.
Yes, you can cook zucchini with the skin on because it's edible and contains nutrients. Keeping the skin on adds texture and flavor to your dish.
Soaking zucchini before cooking can remove extra moisture and prevent it from getting soggy.
This is helpful, especially when grilling or sautéing, as it helps keep the texture and flavor intact.
Yes, you can eat zucchini raw. It's tasty in salads or as a crunchy snack.
To avoid bitterness when cooking zucchini, remove the seeds and lightly salt it beforehand. Cooking it quickly over high heat can also help retain its natural sweetness.
If your cooked zucchini is mushy, it might be because it was cooked for too long or at a low temperature.
To keep its texture firmer, try cooking it quickly over high heat or using methods like grilling or sautéing.
Yes, when cooked, zucchini should be tender but not mushy. It's best to cook it until it's just right, with a slight bite to it.
Zucchini Growing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing zucchini?
The "Black Beauty" zucchini is known for growing quickly, usually ready in 45 to 55 days. Other fast-growing options include the Bossa Nova and round zucchini varieties, which can be ready in as little as 30 to 45 days from seed.
Is zucchini the same as courgette?
Zucchini and courgette are actually the same thing, just with different names in different places. In English-speaking countries, it's usually called zucchini, but in Europe, especially in British English and French, it's called courgette.
What are the best tasting courgettes?
The tastiest courgettes are usually the fresh, tender ones picked when they're small or medium-sized. Varieties like "Black Beauty" and "Golden Zucchini" are popular for their yummy flavor and how well they work in recipes.
But everyone's taste is different, so it's good to try a few types to find your favorite.
What is the best variety of zucchini?
The best type of zucchini varies depending on what you like and how you want to use it. Some popular ones are "Black Beauty" because it's great for cooking, and "Golden Zucchini" because it's a bit sweeter.
There's also "Costata Romanesca," known for its nutty taste, and "Greyzini," which has a mild flavor and cool grey-green color. Trying different kinds can help you find your favorite!
What is the secret to growing zucchini?
To grow zucchini well, make sure they get lots of sunlight, use good soil with plenty of organic material, and water them regularly.
Also, pick the zucchinis often and watch out for pests and diseases to keep your plants healthy and productive.
👉 READ ALSO: How To Store Zucchini
Do you need 2 zucchini plants to get fruit?
Nope. You usually only need one zucchini plant to produce fruit because zucchini have both male and female flowers on the same plant, which allows them to pollinate themselves.
Is a zucchini a fruit or a vegetable?
Zucchini is a fruit because it grows from the flower of the zucchini plant and has seeds inside. But in cooking, people usually treat it like a vegetable.
Final Thoughts
As it turns out, the two or three types of zucchini you usually find at your local supermarket aren’t the only types around! There are more than one zucchini type (and more than 18!) different types of zucchinis with different shapes and tastes.
The good news? They’re all versatile, and they all taste incredibly good in a variety of dishes.
Whether you’re making a stir-fry, a salad, or a summer pasta, you can always do with an addition of zucchini!
Ellie S.
I just planted my first garden and chose Black Beauty based on your list, Julia! Super excited to see how they turn out.
Troy H.
Nice rundown on the zucchini types. Been thinking about adding some unique flavors to my dishes.
Gina L.
Loved the section on the best varieties to grow at home. It really simplified what I thought would be a complicated choice. Any tips on growing zucchini at home?
Aaron M.
Hey Gina, try vertical gardening! Trellises work wonders for saving space and can support the weight of growing zucchini. Good ventilation helps prevent mildew.
Gina L.
Thanks, Aaron! Do all varieties work well with trellises, or should I pick a specific type?