Pumpkin - how to choose, store and use in cooking

Pumpkin is known for its ability to be stored over the winter. Most people associate it with Halloween, a holiday celebrated in the United States. Pumpkin skin is very thick and orange, and the flesh is also orange or yellow, juicy, and sweet. Pumpkin is especially good for its high fiber content, as well as vitamins and minerals.

When can I buy it?

Pumpkins are sold from October to December.

How to choose?

Choose pumpkins that are heavy enough for their size. Their skins should be smooth and firm. The smaller the pumpkin, the less flesh it will contain.

Culinary uses

Since pumpkin skin is quite hard, you'll need a sharp, sturdy tool to pierce it. Place the pumpkin on a thick towel to stabilize it, take a large, sharp knife, and cut it in half. The cut will likely be difficult, so you'll need to work gradually until you reach the very bottom. If the skin is particularly tough, you'll need a hammer to pierce the skin with a knife. If the pumpkin is very large, you'll need to cut it into quarters instead of halves. Use a small, sharp knife to peel the pieces. However, if you're roasting the pumpkin, you can leave the skin on. You can also cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces if needed.

Pumpkin can be baked, fried (30-40 minutes), or boiled (20 minutes). This versatile vegetable can be added to soups, stews, or puréed and served as a side dish with various dishes.

Storage

Pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. They can be stored this way for several weeks. Cut pumpkins can be kept in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Instead of pumpkin, you can use squash in cooking – it is a vegetable related to pumpkin, shaped like a pear.

For more information, please read this article "Pumpkin: History and Preparation Methods"

What to cook with pumpkin: