Scientific name of common pumpkins, which are rounded with smooth skin and yellow colour, is Cucurbita pepo. Scientific name of large cultivars of pumpkins and squashes (giant pumpkins) is Cucurbita maxima. Scientific name of winter cultivars of pumpkins and squashes is Cucurbita moschata. Pumpkins are actually a group of squash plants, fruits of which may be small-, medium- or large-sized with round or elongated shape and with smooth or ribbed skin. Fruit colour varies from green to greenish yellow to deep yellow to orange to red color. Fruit has a thick shell which contains seeds and pulp. Numerous pumpkin cultivars are available in the market that varies in shape, size and colour of flesh. Most parts of the pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, pumpkin seeds, the young leaves, and the pumpkin flowers.

Most parts of the pumpkin plant are edible. Pumpkin flowers are used as a flower vegetable. Pumpkin leaves are used as a leafy vegetable. Pumpkin fruits are mainly used as a gourd vegetable in many Asian countries. In many western countries, pumpkin fruits are associated with a traditional festival called ‘Halloween.”

Food Uses of Pumpkin Fruits: Pumpkin fruits are used in many Asian vegetable preparations as a main ingredient. In South India, pumpkin fruits are an essential ingredient in ‘sambar’, a curry preparation of pulses and vegetable. In these parts of the world, sambar is considered as the healthiest vegetable preparation that can be served with rice and wheat bread/chapatti.

In many western countries, ripe pumpkin fruits are used to prepare sweet dishes and pies by cooking with butter, sugar, and spices. Pumpkin pie is a much relished delicacy in almost all parts of the world.

Pumpkin fruits are also used in soups, and for making desserts, breads, cakes, and candies, and as a flavouring ingredient for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are used as nutritious nuts. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicacy in many parts of the world. Pumpkin seeds may be used a substitute for sunflower seeds; seed oil may be extracted from pumpkin seeds; pumpkin seed oil is used for various cooking purposes. Pumpkin seeds may be roasted and eat like groundnuts. Canned pumpkins are also quite popular nowadays.

Other Uses of Pumpkin: Pumpkins have medicinal properties and are used in folk medicines. Pumpkins may be used as a cattle fodder. In the United States, carved pumpkins are associated with the harvest festival called Halloween.

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