HISTORY
Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Unlike other vegetable crops, pumpkins are almost exclusively grown for ornamental purposes rather than for actual consumption. Scientifically, pumpkin is a fruit as it contains seeds, however, it is commonly viewed as a vegetable. With this in mind, it’s nutritionally more similar to vegetables than fruits. Harvested in October in the United States of America, this highly dense vegetable filled with nutrients sprouts with flowers, seeds, and edible flesh rich in vitamins.
By the end of a single growing season, the life cycle of Pumpkins would have completed, producing very long stems that require support and creeps along the ground. Pumpkins are usually referred to as fruits and are mostly planted individually or in pairs on small hills about 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) apart. Pumpkins are generally large about 4–8 kilograms (9–18 pounds).
The Pumpkin fruit often appear in yellow to orange shaded colors, and they vary from oblate to globular to oblong in shape. The integument is smooth and generally appears lightly lined or ribbed. The fruits peel is hard and woody, ridged, and angled. The fruits mature in early autumn and can be stored for a few months in a dry place well above freezing temperatures.
Major species and uses
In Europe and South America, pumpkins are mainly served as a vegetable and used interchangeably with other winter squashes such as butternut squash. Pumpkins over the years have become very popular among the varieties of baby foods available, and most babies enjoy it as their first baby foods.
Pumpkins are used for the popular autumn decorations, like the Halloween decorations known as jack-o-lanterns, a popular tradition that was originated from Ireland enjoyed by most toddlers and teenagers, and even adults in Europe and beyond. For decoration purposes, the interior of the pumpkin is cleaned out and a light is inserted to shine through a face carved in the wall of the fruit.
The seeds of a pumpkin when roasted and salted are very edible, and are becoming a popular nutritious snack for people. The delicate pumpkin leaves are edible and can be cooked like spinach or other green leafy vegetables.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Filled with nutrients, a cup of steamed, roasted, or cooked pumpkin provides more than 200% of the daily recommendation for taking vitamin A, 20% of vitamin C and contains more potassium than a banana does.
Its long, smooth and mild green leaves contain Vitamin A, C, E, B2, and K in huge proportions, and it’s very beneficial for hair growth, strong teeth and bones, and healthy glowing skin. The leaves are low in cholesterol and sodium making them an excellent vegetable for all age ranges.
PUMPKIN MEAL TIME
This vegetable can be served both as family meals and even exclusively used in baby foods. Babies can enjoy their pumpkin meals as soon as they are ready to start eating solids which are generally from six months old onwards.
Some Pumpkin family foods, include; Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Smoothies, and Pumpkin Waffles.
On the part of baby foods, one can prepare the following with pumpkin; Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Oatmeal, Pumpkin, Carrot and Corn Puree, Pumpkin, Brown Rice, and Cauliflower Puree, Pumpkin and Banana Puree, and Pumpkin and Chicken Puree.
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