Pumpkin - The Delicious Symbol Of Autumn

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

After the last days of summer are over and autumn envelops us with its warm colors and cool evenings, the throne is occupied by a single queen - the pumpkin. And as in many countries around the world, at that time it became a Halloween lantern, while its priceless interior became an ingredient for some of the most delicious autumn foods. Roasted pumpkin, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin cheesecake and many more and a variety of salty and sweet dishes with this product can flavor any table.

Pumpkin is very popular in Bulgaria, but did you know that its homeland is South America. The people of Peru and Mexico ate pumpkin 8,000 years ago. When America was discovered, pumpkins took the road to Europe.

And other interesting facts about the pumpkin:

Did you know that the pumpkin is actually a so-called fruit vegetable. It belongs to the cucurbitacées family, which is characterized by many species, applicable in both savory dishes and sweet desserts. That is why the pumpkin can be found in different sizes, different colors and different shapes.

The world record for the heaviest pumpkin was set in Belgium in 2016 with 1,190 kilograms of pumpkin. This year, a pumpkin weighing an impressive 984 kilograms was measured in a city in Northern California. A month earlier, a pumpkin weighing 1,134 kilograms was measured in New Hampshire.

There are about 800 species in the world pumpkins, but only 200 of them are edible. On average, 3-4 tons of pumpkins are obtained from one decare. In addition to orange, there are blue, green and white, as well as many hybrid species.

Pumpkin also has a capital. This is Morton, Illinois, which has declared itself the pumpkin capital of the world. Illinois is one of the largest producers of pumpkins in the United States, with 90-95 percent of its production used for processed foods containing pumpkin.

The best pumpkins are those that are harvested in late summer and early fall. They can remain on the market until January. To preserve for a longer time, pumpkins should be stored in a dry, ventilated and dark place.

At about 25 calories per 100 grams, the pumpkin is actually very low in calories. For comparison, 100 grams of sweet potatoes contain 90 grams of calories. In addition, pumpkin is full of vitamins - beta carotene, B, C and A. Pumpkin also contains many minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Pumpkin seeds are also very useful due to the high content of vitamin E.

The taste of pumpkin allows it to be prepared in different ways and for different dishes. It can be a main dish, it can be a side dish, soup or dessert. Have you ever tried coffee latte seasoned with pumpkin? Pumpkin combines perfectly with a number of spices. Its wonderful sweet and dense taste is perfectly complemented with thyme, oregano, basil, coriander, ginger, curry, but also with vanilla, cloves and cinnamon.

When choosing a pumpkin, choose a larger and healthier peel. The bark must not be scratched or damaged. There should be no stains on it and keep in mind that the heavier the pumpkin, the better it is. If it is light, it means that it contains only fiber and seeds.

The pumpkin is a major participant in the American holiday of Halloween, popular and celebrated almost all over the world today. The carving of pumpkins for the holiday originates from the Celtic tradition of carving turnips to protect against evil spirits. Once carved, the pumpkin is sprayed on the inside with vinegar and on the outside with hairspray to prevent mold.

And in our country in a number of Bulgarian cities such as Sevlievo and Varna every year a pumpkin festival is organized. During it, visitors can try some of the most delicious dishes from our traditional cuisine, prepared with pumpkin - cream soup, pumpkin cake, pumpkin pie, and see the pumpkin record of the year.