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Pumpkins range in size from small, averaging five pounds, to extremely large, averaging over one thousand pounds and can be squat and flat to round and globular in shape. The rind varies from deeply lobed, slightly bumpy, smooth, to vertically lined with ridges, and the stems are prickly, firm, green-brown, and angular in shape. Pumpkins can be found in varying colors besides the classic orange including light green, dark green, white, red-orange, to blue-gray. The flesh is dense, thick, and pale orange, bright orange, yellow, or white, and encases a central cavity filled with pulp and flat, cream-colored seeds. Depending on the variety, when cooked, Pumpkins are tender with mild, earthy, nutty, and sweet flavors.
Seasons/Availability
Pumpkins are typically available in the fall through early winter.
Current Facts
Pumpkins belong to the Cucurbitaceae family along with squash and gourds. There are several different species within this family that varieties of Pumpkins belong to, and Pumpkins are a fruit growing on wide-spreading vines that are prepared as a vegetable in cultures across the world. Pumpkins have been cultivated since ancient times and were historically grown for eating. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that a new variety was developed specifically for carving. Today, Pumpkins are used as an ornamental decoration for fall displays and crafts, carved to celebrate legends and tradition, or are cooked and consumed in sweet and savory culinary preparations. They are also a popular item to plant in backyards because of their vigorous growth habits, beauty, and prolific nature.
Nutritional Value
Pumpkins contain magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Like many orange fruits and vegetables, Pumpkins are also rich in beta-carotene which helps support healthy eyesight and is beneficial to bone and cell development. Pumpkin seeds offer protein, iron, and zinc.
Applications
Pumpkins are best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, baking, sautéing, steaming, boiling, grilling, and frying. They can be added to curries and stir-fries, pureed and added to soups, stews, and casseroles, placed in green salads, empanadas, and quesadillas, or stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and meat and baked whole. Pumpkins can also be used to make beer and other non-alcoholic beverages. In addition to savory dishes, Pumpkins can be used in sweet preparations including quick bread, muffins, cookies, puddings, custards, tarts, cakes, and pies. Pumpkin seeds, known as pepitas, may be roasted and enjoyed as a snack. Pumpkins pair well with potatoes, broccoli, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, carrots, green beans, swiss chard, kale, dried cranberries, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, garlic, shallots, onion, sage, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, coconut oil, sausage, turkey, rice, quinoa, Gruyere cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and French bread. Pumpkins will keep 1-6 months, depending on the variety, and should be stored in a cool and dry place or the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Pumpkins are most well-known for their ability to be transformed into Jack-O-Lanterns during Halloween. The tradition of pumpkin carving dates back centuries ago to an Irish myth about a man named "Stingy Jack." Legend has it that Jack tricked the Devil while he was alive, but when he passed away, he was banished to roam the Earth for eternity by the light of a burning coal in a carved-out turnip. This carved turnip became known as "Jack of the Lantern," and in Scotland and Ireland, families continued the tradition of carving root vegetables, including turnips and potatoes, with scary faces. The carved vegetables would be lit with a candle and placed on a windowsill to ward off evil spirits. Later, when colonists arrived in the New World, they started carving pumpkins, eventually becoming the item of choice for annual carvings.
Geography/History
Pumpkins are believed to be native to Central America, especially to Mexico, and date back to 7000-5500 BCE. They were then spread to the rest of the world via explorers, expeditions, and trade routes, and throughout the years farmers have cross-pollinated different varieties of Pumpkins to create new cultivars to meet market demand. Today Pumpkins can be found on every continent except for Antarctica, and are commonly found at farmers markets, specialty grocers, and through online seed catalogs for home gardens.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Pumpkins of Kazakhstan…Pumpkins of Kazakhstan can vary widely in size, ranging from just five pounds to over a thousand pounds. Their shapes can be squat, flat, round, or globular, and their rinds may be lobed, smooth, bumpy, or vertically ridged. Beyond traditional orange hues, their colors can include light green, dark green, white, red-orange, and even blue-gray. Inside, the dense flesh comes in shades like pale orange, bright orange, yellow, or white, delivering mild, nutty, and sweet flavors when cooked.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Pumpkins of Kazakhstan…Pumpkin uses: In Kazakhstan, pumpkins can enhance a variety of dishes with versatile cooking methods like roasting, boiling, or frying. They work well in curries, soups, and casseroles or as a stuffing base with meat, cheese, and veggies. Seeds, called pepitas, can be roasted for snacks, while their flesh shines in baked goods like breads, pies, and tarts. Stored correctly, pumpkins last up to 6 months.
Zhetygen weekend food fair
Zhetygen village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Zhana arka pumpkins of South Kazakhstan…Pumpkins, including the Zhana Arka variety from South Kazakhstan, are part of the Cucurbitaceae family and grow on wide-spreading vines. They are historically significant as one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Packed with nutrients, they contain magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, which benefits eyesight, bone health, and cell development. Additionally, their seeds are a valuable source of protein, iron, and zinc, making pumpkins both versatile and nutritious.
Carefood supermarket
ул. Кабдолова 1/4, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Pumpkins of Kazakhstan…Pumpkins can now be found on every continent except Antarctica. Originally native to Central America, particularly Mexico, they date back to 7000-5500 BCE and were spread globally through explorers, expeditions, and trade routes. Over time, farmers have cross-pollinated varieties to develop new cultivars that cater to market demand, making pumpkins a staple in farmers markets and home gardens worldwide.
Kazakhfilm weekend food fair
Isinaliyeva 38, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Pumpkins of different varieties of Zhetygen village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan…Pumpkins were not always the traditional carved vegetable for Halloween. The practice originated from an Irish legend about "Stingy Jack," where turnips and potatoes were initially carved to ward off evil spirits. When colonists arrived in the New World, they discovered pumpkins, which were larger and easier to carve, and these eventually became the preferred choice for Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns.
Toimart supermarket
ул. Жандосова 21, Алматы 050057, Казахстан
Pumpkins of different shapes, Kazakhstan…Pumpkins from Kazakhstan can have an impressive range of shapes, from squat and flat to round and globular forms. Their rinds may be smooth, deeply lobed, vertically ridged, or slightly bumpy, and they come in diverse colors beyond classic orange, including light green, dark green, white, red-orange, and even blue-gray. Their flesh is dense and pale orange to white, delivering mild, nutty, and sweet flavors when cooked.
Supermarket"Small"
Isinaliyeva str, 18, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Pumpkins are incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. They are great for baking, roasting, grilling, or even boiling, and can enhance curries, soups, and salads. They pair beautifully with flavors like cinnamon, garlic, and thyme, as well as with Gruyere or parmesan cheese. For a fun twist, their seeds can be roasted for a tasty snack. If stored properly in a cool, dry spot, pumpkins can last between 1 to 6 months, depending on their variety.
Zhanaarna seasonal food market
Zhanaarna village, Almaty region, Kazakhstan
Green seasonal pumpkins of Kazakhstan…Pumpkins are fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, growing on wide-spreading vines and commonly prepared as vegetables worldwide. They have been cultivated since ancient times, initially grown for eating. In the 1970s, a variety specifically for carving gained popularity. Pumpkins are now used for both decoration and culinary purposes, being prepared in sweet and savory dishes. They are also rich in beta-carotene, supporting healthy eyesight, bone health, and cell development.
From D'Acquisto Faarms…Pumpkins: Originating in Central America, particularly Mexico, pumpkins have a history dating back to 7000-5500 BCE. Over time, they were spread worldwide by explorers and trading routes. Farmers have since developed new varieties through cross-pollination, adapting them to meet market needs. Now, pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica and are popular at farmers markets, specialty grocers, and in home gardens through seed catalogs.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Халиуллина 194, Алматы 050010, Казахстан
Pumpkins of South Kazakhstan…Pumpkins have a fascinating cultural history tied to Halloween. The tradition of carving them into Jack-O-Lanterns originates from an old Irish myth about "Stingy Jack," who roamed the Earth with a burning coal inside a carved-out turnip after tricking the Devil. Irish and Scottish families initially used turnips and potatoes for similar carvings, but when settlers arrived in America, they began using pumpkins instead, which became the preferred choice.
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