There are endless varieties of pumpkins and they come in all shapes, colors and sizes. The water content, texture and flavor of each variety is different and choice will depend on the purpose for which they are to be used. An internet search will reveal many delicious fresh pumpkin recipes to try out. The versatility of this humble food gives cooks endless options for dishes, both sweet and savory.
As pumpkins grow all over the world, many cultures have used them for centuries as a staple in their diets. They are so versatile that they can be successfully used for both sweet and savory dishes, offering all kinds of culinary opportunities. Muffins, pancakes, smoothies, rich curries, soups, breads and many other favorite comfort foods can be created.
Physical characteristics to look for when making a choice are firmness, consistency of coloring and lack of open cuts or soft spots that can cause quick spoiling. When one is turned over and pressure is applied with the thumbs at the bottom, it should not give. Choice will also depend on the recipe being used with smaller, sweeter more refined varieties more suited to pies and denser varieties being better in soups and stews.
Pumpkins are full of vitamins and minerals as well as low in sodium fat so they form a good addition to any diet. They are a good source of beta carotene. This is an anti-oxidant, believed to delay aging as well as decrease the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers.
Some varieties of pumpkins can be stored for longer than others and the climate also plays a part in how long they last. Once they have been cut open, their storage life is limited and they usually only last for a few days. Many people make purees which they store in their freezers. In this form they can last for about six months and are used to make a wide variety of dishes.
There are many instructional videos available on the internet demonstrating exactly how to make a puree. This is not a difficult process. The pumpkin is either cut in half for baking or chopped up for boiling, steaming or microwaving. The seeds and stringy bits are removed before cooking. Once the flesh is soft it is easy to reduce to a pulp by mashing. For a finer texture, it can be pressed through a sieve.
Many people use the canned variety as it is so convenient to use but there is no beating the taste and texture of fresh ingredients. Those who appreciate the rich taste and thick, velvety texture consider the little bit of extra work well worth it. Purees are often more watery than the ones found in the cans and getting rid of as much water as possible is advisable or results of a recipe can be affected.
Taking real pumpkins and cooking them down to their sweet, juicy flesh has been done through the centuries. This is not a difficult process despite what people may think. So many recipes today call for the freshest of ingredients. Many interesting and creative recipes are available that is this ingredient in dishes that are tasty, cost effective and nutritious.
As pumpkins grow all over the world, many cultures have used them for centuries as a staple in their diets. They are so versatile that they can be successfully used for both sweet and savory dishes, offering all kinds of culinary opportunities. Muffins, pancakes, smoothies, rich curries, soups, breads and many other favorite comfort foods can be created.
Physical characteristics to look for when making a choice are firmness, consistency of coloring and lack of open cuts or soft spots that can cause quick spoiling. When one is turned over and pressure is applied with the thumbs at the bottom, it should not give. Choice will also depend on the recipe being used with smaller, sweeter more refined varieties more suited to pies and denser varieties being better in soups and stews.
Pumpkins are full of vitamins and minerals as well as low in sodium fat so they form a good addition to any diet. They are a good source of beta carotene. This is an anti-oxidant, believed to delay aging as well as decrease the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers.
Some varieties of pumpkins can be stored for longer than others and the climate also plays a part in how long they last. Once they have been cut open, their storage life is limited and they usually only last for a few days. Many people make purees which they store in their freezers. In this form they can last for about six months and are used to make a wide variety of dishes.
There are many instructional videos available on the internet demonstrating exactly how to make a puree. This is not a difficult process. The pumpkin is either cut in half for baking or chopped up for boiling, steaming or microwaving. The seeds and stringy bits are removed before cooking. Once the flesh is soft it is easy to reduce to a pulp by mashing. For a finer texture, it can be pressed through a sieve.
Many people use the canned variety as it is so convenient to use but there is no beating the taste and texture of fresh ingredients. Those who appreciate the rich taste and thick, velvety texture consider the little bit of extra work well worth it. Purees are often more watery than the ones found in the cans and getting rid of as much water as possible is advisable or results of a recipe can be affected.
Taking real pumpkins and cooking them down to their sweet, juicy flesh has been done through the centuries. This is not a difficult process despite what people may think. So many recipes today call for the freshest of ingredients. Many interesting and creative recipes are available that is this ingredient in dishes that are tasty, cost effective and nutritious.
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