Summer squash

Call it a courgette or say it's zucchini, pick them young and you've got the fresh sweet taste of summer in your hands. Not surprisingly, there's a strong Mediterranean influence in these stylish recipes, with Italy making a strong claim to the 'best in show' award. Try penne with zucchini flowers, slice the vegetable into ribbons to char-grill and serve with mozzarella or go for a zucchini agrodolce with roast red mullet.