Source: Wikimedia
Hokkaido Pumpkin also known as Red Kuri Squash is basically a thick-skinned winter squash which looks like a pumpkin and is pink in colour. The outer covering of the Pumpkin is hard but the inside part is fleshy and delicate which flavours like a Chestnut. It comes from the species of Cucurbita Maxima. Some important things to know about Hokkaido Pumpkin are:
1. History of Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: MIKI Yoshihito
The Hokkaido Pumpkin was earlier grown in Japan, California, Colorado, Mexico, Tasmania and South Africa. It is best suited for climates which offer a growing time of 100 days or more. Most of the production made in California, Colorado and Tonga is exported to Japan. The Hokkaido Squash is believed to originate in Mesoamerica. The demand and uses of pumpkin are increasing day by day because of its nutritional value and rising interest of people in the healthy lifestyle.
2. Characteristics of Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: Martin Fisch
Hokkaido Pumpkin grows best in full sun and is has drought tolerant capacity. Every vine of the plant produce mainly three fruits and it takes about 90 days for its maturity. The pumpkin is hard shelled and is fleshy from inside. The flesh has green colored touch under the seeds.
3. Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: Till Westermayer
The Hokkaido Pumpkin is rich in many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, B and C and minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Beta-Carotene. It also has healing effects of diseases like stomach problems, problems of Pancreas, Spleen, heart and disorders of kidneys. It also cures diabetes and problems of men related to the prostate. It has the high content of fibers and detoxifying effects. The 100 gm of Hokkaido has following nutritional value:
Calories: 37 Kcal
Proteins: 8.8 gm
Carbohydrates: 8.8 gm
Fats: 0.23 gm
Fibers: 1.6 gm
Calcium: 28.7 mg
Iron: 0.67 mg
Potassium: 895.85 mg
4. Culinary Uses of Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: Till Westermayer
The seeds and fibres of pumpkin are removed before using it. It has multiple beneficial uses in the kitchen. It can be used in making of cakes, soups, sauces, sweet, jams, pie, stuffing, baking dishes and grilled dishes. The taste of pumpkin is delicate, sweet and nutty and it is up to you in which form you are going to use it. The pumpkin provides sweet flavor and beautiful texture to your food.
5. Uses of Pumpkin Seeds
Source: storebukkebruse
The seeds of Hokkaido Pumpkin also have nutritional uses and used in making a variety of dishes. It can be used for the preparation of salads and sauces. The seeds also have medicinal properties and are easily digestible. Also, a valuable oil is extracted from its seeds which are beneficial for arthritis, hair loss and prevention of toothaches. The seeds also have high zinc content, therefore, these are much effective in cold and viral infections.
6. Growth and Storage of Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: MIKI Yoshihito
Growth and storage of Hokkaido Pumpkin: Hokkaido pumpkin can be easily grown in the garden or stored for a whole year without any problem. The soil for its growth must be medium heavy and rich in nutrients and gap must be there between the seeds because it requires much space. They need sufficient amount of water along with proper heat and sun. After full growth and harvest, the pumpkins are stored in cold but dry places. Another method of storage is that it can be dried by slicing and then store. By storing the sugar and vitamins content of pumpkin increase to a greater extent.
7. Recipes from Hokkaido Pumpkin
Source: Kirsti I.
There are large numbers of recipes which can be prepared from pumpkin or its seeds. Some of them are Hokkaido Pumpkin Pie, Griddle Cakes, Chicken Stuffed with Hokkaido Pumpkin, Roasted Hokkaido Pumpkin with Potatoes, Jam from Hokkaido Pumpkin, Ginger Bread and Salad from Hokkaido Pumpkin.
In short, we can say that Hokkaido Pumpkin is an age-old squash and has unlimited health benefits with the simple and easy process of growing. By preserving and storing it in a proper way you can take benefits from the pumpkin and also use its seeds for different recipes.
Have a good trip and travel!
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