Are we talking about pumpkins?

Pumpkin is a fruit, it is not a vegetable, because it comes from the flower of the pumpkin plant, as with tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers, which are also fruits of plants. It's very important in the kitchen, as it is a light and nutritious food with which you can make countless easy and delicious dishes.

Its content of water and fiber, potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotids are converted into vitamins A, B1, E, B2, B3, B6, and its amino acids this protect the immune system, prevent diseases such as cancer, cataracts, obesity, heart attacks and helps have soft kin. Because of all its nutrients they are healthy.

The gender Cucurbita, which are climbing plants or crawlers, hosts varieties of all kinds; some are edible, and others only serve as decoration. Although there are many types of pumpkins, according to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN), the best known and cultivated are classified into two large groups: summer and winter pumpkins.

SUMMER PUMPKINS : Those of the summer season have finer skin and a lighter color, and their large amount of water makes them a good source of hydration to cope with the heat, however, they also have the disadvantage that their shelf life is less, about two month.

*Maximum Pulpa.urcubite (Common Pumpkin)

It's the most used pumpkins. Orange on the outside and inside is used in lit Halloween ornaments, after being emptied and carved. It is also one of the most used to make mash, soups or stews because it has a great content of pulp.

Patisson or Pattypan (Bone Pumpkin)

It is a white, green or yellow pumpkin, shaped rounded with petal-shaped edges, very similar to the sunflower flower. It is a variety that is only eaten if it is tender, if not, it is used as decoration. It can be made in stews or mashed or sautéed with oil or other vegetables, as well as stuffed or baked. It is also called artichoke from Spain or Peter Pan.

*Cucurbita pepo spaghetti (Spaghetti Squash)

Its name derives from the stranded shape that acquires its pulp once it is cooked. Somewhat more elongated and fine than traditional pumpkin, it is very similar to the shape of potatoes, and has its yellowish skin and interior. It is one of the stars in the kitchen, because it is very common to see them filled with different preparations

Winter pumpkins:Winter ones have less water and thicker skin, which protects them and makes their lifespan longer; it is estimated to last up to six months. As compensation its taste is sweeter. Here are some of the best known specimens:

*Cucurbita ficifolia (Cidra, confitera pumpkin or angel hair)

This is the pumpkin with which the angel hair or sweet pumpkin is made, with which the famous Mallorcan ensaimadas and countless sweets are filled. Its appearance might remind us of a watermelon, green and with white specks, but its interior is white and with black seeds, very similar to that of the chirimoyas, but much more fibrous

*Moschata Curcubite (Butternut Pumpkin)

It is, along with the common pumpkin, the favorite to make the typical purees and the easiest to find on the market. It is bright orange on the inside and somewhat duller on the outside. Its shape resembles a pear, although much larger than this fruit. You'll also find it as fly or peanut squash, auyama in Venezuela, anco or anquito in Argentina, American shoe in Chile or zapallo loche in Peru.

*Banana Pumpkin

Its name indicates its similarity to banana, however, this pumpkin

is much wider and less curved. Its color is orange, although there is a variety of a slight pink hue. It is widely used in the kitchen, special for pastry.

NON-EDIBLE PUMPKINS

*Lagenaria siceraria (Pilgrim's pumpkin or matte)

This variety is swan-shaped, with a more rounded base, a thinner neck and a smaller spherical upper. This pumpkin is a symbol of the way of Santiago, as it was formerly dried and stuffed with water and other drinks, as it kept them fresh for several hours.

*Turkish or Aladdin Turban Pumpkin

Its name derives from the appearance of this pumpkin, which seems to represent a head partially wrapped by a turban. This variety is used as a decoration – it has striking red, green and white colors – and usually weighs between one and two kilos.

Note:

Pumpkin pipes are located in the central part of the pulp and are almost round; toast is a healthy snack, as they have great nutritional properties that you will discover later.