Italian striped zucchini varieties, such as 'Cocozelle' and 'Costata Romanesco,' were developed in Italy from squash that originated in the Americas. While squash was first domesticated in Mesoamerica over 7,000 years ago, the specific cylindrical zucchini varieties known today were bred in northern Italy in the 19th century.
History of zucchini development
Mesoamerican origins: The ancestors of zucchini are squashes that were first domesticated in the Americas. Seeds were brought to Europe following the expeditions of Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century.
Italian cultivation: It was in northern Italy, particularly in the areas around Milan, that gardeners cultivated the elongated, tender summer squash we recognize today as zucchini. The development of distinct varieties occurred in the second half of the 19th century, with the earliest written record appearing in a Milanese publication in 1901.
The name "zucchini": The Italian name zucchini is the diminutive plural of zucca, meaning "squash" or "gourd." It literally translates to "little squashes".
Arrival in the U.S.: Zucchini was brought to the United States in the 1920s by Italian immigrants, and it was first cultivated in California.
Specific striped Italian varieties
Several popular striped zucchini varieties have their own specific Italian origins:
'Cocozelle': This classic heirloom variety originated in Naples in the 1800s and was originally known as 'Cocozella di Napoli.' It is characterized by long, cylindrical fruits with distinct dark and light green stripes.
'Costata Romanesco': Another heirloom from Italy, this variety has a ribbed, dark green skin with pale green stripes. Its flesh has a firm, meaty texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
'Striato d'Italia': This is a popular heirloom variety known for its pronounced stripes and ribs. It is a productive, bush-type plant with a sweet, nutty flavor.
'Tromboncino': Unlike most zucchinis which belong to the species Cucurbita pepo, Tromboncino is a cultivar of Cucurbita moschata (the same species as butternut squash). This heirloom, originally from Liguria, Italy, is a climbing vine that produces long, curved fruit with subtly striped skin.
