The perfect courgette is no fatter than your middle finger, with a wide-open yellow flower still clinging to its stem. Look for small, firm, unblemished courgettes whose skin has a healthy glow.

When summer brings the inevitable courgette glut, be prepared! Learn how to cook courgettes in three delicious ways – fried, baked and spiralised.

This simple courgette gratin makes a great side dish as it’s creamy and flavoursome without being too rich. Serve with a salad for a light supper.

To serve, scatter some watercress onto 2 plates, then spoon over the beans with their dressing and the courgettes. Slice the monkfish and divide between the plates and finish with the brown butter.

A grilled courgette salad loaded with fresh basil, mint, chilli and lemon – it's best eaten at room temperature and great served with grilled meat.

Enjoy a silky smooth pasta sauce made with courgette and lemon, all topped with cubes of fried halloumi. A quick and comforting midweek meal.

The garlic, yoghurt and pistachios in this grilled courgette recipe add to its gut-friendly credentials. It also makes a completely delicious part of a veggie mezze.

This gorgeous courgette risotto is a favourite with kids and the cold leftovers can be used to make tasty arancini.

A simple courgette pasta for two that will get you on your way to 5-a-day. You can substitute the Wensleydale cheese for whatever cheese you have.

Crispy skin roast chicken served with a seasonal courgette and broad bean salad. Give your Sunday roast a summer twist.