Toxins in Courgettes

Courgettes may occasionally contain a group of natural toxins known as cucurbitacins.

These toxins give courgettes a bitter taste.

Bitterness in wild courgettes has been known for a long time but is rarely found in commercially grown courgettes.

Eating bitter courgettes have caused people to experience vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and collapse.

Do not eat courgettes that have a strong unpleasant smell or taste bitter.