Pumpkin

The pumpkin belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, the same to which belong the cucumber, squash and melon.

Its origin is uncertain but today is cultivated worldwide, especially in hot weather, and resists not cold or frost.

Types of squash

There are two varieties of squash:

The summer, fine and clear skin, soft seeds and high water content, which is why they are quite perishable.

The winter thicker skin of lower water content and, therefore retained much longer. This variety is the pumpkin confectionery which is made angel hair, as used in food as a filler in many baked goods.

Thirdly, to comment that there are other lesser known types of squash, such as American, Brazilian zucchini, the thick yellow green Paris and Spanish.

Pumpkin Uses

The use of the pumpkin in the kitchen is not too popular here in Spain, other countries consume much more and included in many recipes both sweet and savory. Even the use of its flower is widely used in the cuisines of Italy, the USA and Latin American countries.

With its colorful, often included in children's diets and vegetable purees.

Anyway it should be noted that consumption is highly recommended since they are rich in vitamin A (good for vision), vitamin C and minerals: potassium, zinc, calcium, iron and boron. Furthermore, since a lot of water, are diuretic, depurative and digestive. Also good for dieting because they contain few calories and almost no fat.

Also its seeds are used in food, roasted and salted and oil processing.

As for how to choose pumpkins when buying, must take into account the variety, because if it's the summer, you have to choose the medium sized, bright skin, soft and do not last. Conversely, if it is the winter variety, you have to choose ripe pumpkins, thick crust.

In both cases it is better to acquire the retaining its tail, this makes keep moisture better.

Of course, we must make mention of using ornamental pumpkin, which gives much play in decoration, in shape and color, to create original objects. And of course, who does not associate with the traditional Halloween pumpkin!