This is October’s product of the month.
Here are some key points:
- Botanical Characteristics: Pumpkins are large, round or oval-shaped fruits with a hard, thick rind. They have a vibrant orange color, but some varieties can also be green, yellow, white, or even red. Inside, pumpkins have a cavity filled with seeds and stringy pulp.
- Culinary Uses: Pumpkins are widely used in cooking and baking. They can be roasted, boiled, steamed, mashed, or pureed to make soups, stews, curries, and side dishes. Pumpkin puree is a popular ingredient in pies, muffins, cakes, and other desserts. Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, can be roasted and enjoyed as a nutritious snack.
- Nutritional Value: Pumpkins are highly nutritious and low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The bright orange color of pumpkins is due to the presence of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A.
- Health Benefits: The nutrients found in pumpkins offer several potential health benefits. Vitamin A is essential for eye health and a strong immune system. The antioxidants in pumpkins can help neutralize free radicals in the body and may contribute to overall health and well-being. The fiber in pumpkins supports digestive health and may aid in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Seasonal Traditions: Pumpkins have become a symbol of the fall season in many cultures. They are prominently featured during Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations. Carving pumpkins into Jack-o’-lanterns is a popular Halloween tradition, while pumpkin pies are a staple on many Thanksgiving dinner tables in the United States.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or used as a topping for various dishes.
- Medicinal Uses: Pumpkin has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, ranging from digestive issues to skin conditions. However, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting specific medicinal properties of pumpkins is limited.
- Growing Conditions: Pumpkins are warm-weather plants that require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in home gardens and are often planted in late spring or early summer for harvest in the fall.
- Varieties: There are numerous pumpkin varieties, each with its unique size, shape, color, and flavor profile. Some popular pumpkin varieties include the Connecticut Field pumpkin, Sugar Pie pumpkin, Cinderella pumpkin, and Atlantic Giant pumpkin (known for its enormous size and often used in pumpkin contests). Here at the farm we have: Butternut, Hokkaido and Musquee de Provence.
- Pumpkin in Culture and Mythology: Pumpkins have cultural significance in various regions worldwide. They are featured in folklore, myths, and culinary traditions of different countries. For example, the pumpkin is an essential symbol in North American Halloween traditions.
Pumpkins are not only delicious and versatile but also a valuable source of essential nutrients. Adding pumpkins to your diet can be a healthy and tasty way to enjoy the fall season’s bounty. Whether you’re carving a pumpkin for Halloween or preparing a warm pumpkin soup for Thanksgiving, this fruit has a place in many hearts and homes around the world.
RECIPE
Roasted pumpkin with aromatic herbs
- Pumpkin with peel – 800 gr
- Olive oil – 1 dl
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon
- Rosemary – 1 branch
- salt – 1 pinch
- Pepper – 1 pinch
- Oregano – 1 pinch
PREPARATION METHOD:
- Wash the pumpkin and cut it into slices. Remove the seeds and reserve.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Brush it with olive oil and place the slices apart.
- Mix sesame oil with rosemary. Grease the pumpkin with this mixture, sprinkle with salt and bake in a preheated oven at 190º C for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the pumpkin from the oven and season it with a pinch of pepper and a pinch of oregano. Decorate with rosemary. serve immediately.
TIPS:
In this recipe, use butternut squash and/or hokkaido squash. If you prefer, you can add 50 grams of chopped parsley to sesame oil before greasing the pumpkin. Alternatively, you can make a paste with 50 grams of island cheese (Queijo da Ilha), 30 grams of grated bread, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, the zest of two lemons, two large chopped garlic cloves, three tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of sesame oil, salt and pepper, mixing everything very well before adding the pumpkin. You can also accompany it with yogurt sauce, seasoned with a tablespoon of fresh fennel, olive oil, salt and white pepper. It’s your choice!