Zucca

One of the most widely used family of vegetables in Italy, all types of squash, pumpkins and the smaller courgettes are loved for their flavour, varying shapes, and wide range of uses in the kitchen. Only the marrow is not much eaten in Italy, as it is considered to be no more than an overgrown courgette but without the flavour. The family of plants originates from South America, where they were cultivated for decoration, some varieties being cultivated to reach gigantic proportions, the largest being the Mammouth or the Melone Gigante which can reach more than 100 kilos (250 lb) in weight.