How to choose pumpkin when buying one
With the arrival of autumn, pumpkin has become a popular ingredient on the table. Whether you're making pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, or decorating for Halloween, picking a good pumpkin is crucial. This article will provide you with a detailed pumpkin selection guide based on the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Pumpkin varieties and uses
There are many varieties of pumpkins, and different varieties are suitable for different cooking methods. Here are common pumpkin varieties and their uses:
| variety | Features | fit for purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Babe Pumpkin | Small size, delicate taste, high sweetness | Steaming, baking, desserts |
| Butternut squash | The flesh is thick and the taste is sweet. | Soups and stews |
| pumpkin | Golden color, less fiber | stir-fry, garnish |
| giant pumpkin | Large in size and rich in moisture | Halloween carvings and decorations |
2. How to choose high-quality pumpkins
When choosing pumpkins, you can start from the following aspects:
1. Appearance inspection
A high-quality pumpkin has smooth skin, even color, and no obvious scars or depressions. If there are signs of damage or rot on the surface of the pumpkin, it may affect its shelf life and taste.
2. Feeling of weight
For pumpkins of the same size, the heavier the weight, the fuller the water and pulp. Tap the pumpkin gently. If the sound is dull, the pumpkin is ripe.
3. Stem inspection
The stems of a pumpkin reflect its freshness. Choose pumpkins with dry, lignified stems. Such pumpkins usually take longer to pick and have more sugar accumulation.
4. Bottom inspection
The bottom of the pumpkin should be flat, this will ensure that the pumpkin is stable. If there are signs of soft rot or mold on the bottom, the pumpkin may have gone bad.
3. How to preserve pumpkins
After selecting high-quality pumpkins, correct storage methods can extend their shelf life:
| Save method | save time | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Store at room temperature | 1-2 months | Place in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight |
| Refrigerated storage | 3-4 weeks | Cut pumpkins need to be wrapped in plastic wrap |
| Cryopreservation | 6-8 months | Cut or cook the pumpkin and freeze it |
4. Nutritional value of pumpkin
Pumpkin not only tastes sweet, but it is also rich in many nutrients:
| Nutritional information | Content (per 100g) | effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 170% daily requirement | Protect eyesight and enhance immunity |
| dietary fiber | 2.7 grams | Promote digestion and prevent constipation |
| Potassium | 340 mg | Regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health |
5. Recommended popular pumpkin recipes
According to the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days, the following pumpkin recipes have attracted much attention:
1. Pumpkin Latte
The autumn-only pumpkin latte has become a new favorite among coffee lovers. The sweet pumpkin puree perfectly blends with the bitterness of coffee.
2. Pumpkin Cheesecake
The sweetness of pumpkin combined with the richness of cheese makes it the first choice for dessert lovers.
3. Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Healthy roasted pumpkin paired with fresh vegetables is low in calories and delicious, and is suitable for people who want to lose weight.
Conclusion
Picking a pumpkin may seem simple, but there are many details to pay attention to. I hope that through the introduction in this article, you can easily choose high-quality pumpkins and enjoy the delicious taste of autumn. Whether cooking or decorating, pumpkins add a warm pop of color to your fall season.
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