# How do you cook courgette flowers?

Canonical: https://zestasy.com/wiki/courgette-flowers/  
Section: Zestasy Wiki > Food · Updated: 2026-10-14 · Publisher: Zestasy

*Zestasy Wiki: our reference answers. Checked for facts and sources; less curated than the magazine.*

Use them the day you get them. Shake out any insects, gently open the petals and pinch out the stamen or pistil inside, then either stuff them with soft cheese and fry them in a light batter, tear them into pasta, risotto or a frittata, or slice them raw into a salad. The flavour is delicate, like a young courgette, so keep everything else gentle.

Courgette flowers are one of the great signs of an Italian summer: bright orange-yellow blossoms piled in market crates, gone almost as soon as they arrive. They taste of very little on their own, a soft green courgette sweetness, but they are a beautiful carrier for cheese, batter and olive oil.

## Why they are rare in shops

[Wikipedia's squash blossom entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_blossom) notes that the blossoms spoil quickly, which is why they are rarely sold in supermarkets. Markets, greengrocers and gardens are where you find them. The same entry notes that the flavour is subtle, like young courgette, and that the flowers can be eaten raw.

## Male and female flowers

You'll see two kinds. Flowers on a thin stalk are male; flowers attached to a baby courgette are female. [The same entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_blossom) says both can be used interchangeably, and that gardeners often pick only male flowers and leave some to pollinate, so the plant still fruits. Female flowers with a baby courgette attached are lovely fried whole.

## Cleaning

- Use them as soon as possible, ideally the same day.
- Shake each one gently, and check inside for insects.
- Open the petals carefully and pinch out the stamen or pistil in the centre. Some cooks leave it; it is edible but a little bitter.
- Trim the stalk, and pull off the small spiky green leaves at the base.
- Don't wash them under a running tap. If they are dirty, swish them briefly in cold water and lay them on a towel to dry completely.

## Stuffed and fried

The classic. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_blossom) notes that in most Italian regions courgette flowers are often made into fritters.

1. **Filling.** Ricotta with grated Parmesan, lemon zest, black pepper and a few herbs. Or a small piece of mozzarella. Some cooks tuck an anchovy fillet in with the mozzarella, if you like that.
2. **Stuffing.** Spoon or pipe a small amount inside. Don't overfill; twist the tips of the petals to close.
3. **Batter.** A light batter of flour and very cold sparkling water, mixed briefly and left a little lumpy. Our page on [light, crisp batter](https://zestasy.com/wiki/light-batter/) has the details.
4. **Frying.** Dip, let the excess drip off, and fry in hot oil until pale golden and crisp. Drain on paper and salt straight away.

Eat them hot. They wait for nobody.

## Not stuffed

- **Plain fritters.** Dip unstuffed flowers in batter and fry; lighter and quicker.
- **Pasta.** Tear the flowers into strips and toss them into pasta with courgettes, butter or olive oil, lemon zest and Parmesan at the very end. Saffron is a good friend here.
- **Risotto.** Stir torn flowers through a courgette risotto just before serving.
- **Frittata.** Lay whole flowers on top of a frittata before it sets.
- **Pizza or focaccia.** Lay them on with mozzarella; they crisp at the edges.
- **Baked.** Stuff, drizzle with oil and bake until just softened, for a lighter version.

## Raw

Slice the petals into ribbons and scatter over a salad of thinly shaved courgettes, lemon, olive oil, mint and pecorino, or on burrata. The colour alone is worth it.

## FAQ

### How do we keep courgette flowers until tomorrow?
If you must, lay them in a single layer on a damp towel in a container in the fridge. They will wilt; use them first thing.

### Can we use pumpkin or squash flowers?
Yes, they are cooked the same way.

### Can we grow our own?
If you grow courgettes, you'll have plenty. Pick male flowers in the morning when they are open, and leave some for the plant.

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Squash blossom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_blossom)

## Related

- [How do you make a light, crisp batter for frying vegetables?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/light-batter/)
- [What do you do with too many courgettes?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/courgette-glut/)
- [Can you make ricotta at home?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/homemade-ricotta/)
- [How do you know what's in season?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/whats-in-season/)
- [How do you stop courgettes going watery?](https://zestasy.com/wiki/watery-courgettes/)
- [All Food answers in the Wiki](https://zestasy.com/wiki/#food)