Pumpkin

One of the symbols of the beautiful and colorful autumn is the pumpkin. We associate it with the change of nature that surrounds us with its colorful palette of colors. Pumpkin proudly occupies its place among the autumn fruits and vegetables.

In addition to the autumn visit, pumpkin is also a major symbol of the mystical holiday – Halloween. „Let’s carve the pumpkin“  or in other words to get acquainted with this natural wealth.

Pumpkin is a plant of the pumpkin family. It grows in warm places well heated by the sun. The soil needs to be rich in nutrients in order to grow a large and nice fruit. The sowing is done at the end of April and the produce is harvested at the end of September.

There are 800 different types of pumpkins, but only 200 of them are edible. The classic pumpkin is known by its orange color, which is due to the large amount of carotene (provitamin A), and in some varieties it exceeds (in quantity) even that in carrots. Pumpkins have a variety of colors – white, yellow, green, black, spots or patterns. There are also various shapes – round or oval (violin type), pear-shaped, etc. Some varieties have a smooth surface and others more rough one.

Botanists, on the other hand, classify the pumpkin as a special type of berry that can reach several hundred kilos. It would be interesting to see.

Where did the pumpkin come from?

The origin is thought to be from South America, where (there is evidence) that Peru and Mexico enjoyed this plant as early as about 8000 years ago. With the discovery of America, the pumpkin finds its way to Europe. It was imported to England from France during the Tudor times.

What does the pumpkin contain?

It contains vitamins from groups B, C, E, PP, T. It contains Vitamin K, which is responsible for blood clotting. Vitamin A is also available, which acts as an antioxidant and protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Pumpkin contains the following trace elements – potassium, calcium, magnesium, cobalt, sodium and iron. Pumpkin contains a lot of pectin, which purifies the intestine.

Benefits of regular consumption of pumpkins.

• An interesting fact is that over the centuries, people have used it for the treatment of various diseases such as fever, nervous disorders, constipation and heart disease.

It is low in calories and it is recommended for people who follow a diet or diet regimen. It is easily absorbed by the body and suppresses hunger. It has the effect of speeding up the metabolism and helping to eliminate the sludge from the gastrointestinal tract. The pumpkin gift has a slight laxative effect and is good in the presence of constipation. It also prevents water retention in the body. It is useful for people with gastrointestinal diseases, colitis, gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc. In this case, it is recommended that the pumpkin be baked. Pumpkin removes salt and water from the body without irritating the kidneys.

One tip, do not throw away the pumpkin seeds, but clean them and keep them. They are extremely important because they are famous for their anti-parasite action. This makes them an extremely effective choice for the fight against worms.

In diabetes, pumpkin is extremely valuable because it supplies fiber, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. It very well maintains blood sugar levels.

Pumpkin contains many times more beta-carotene than carrots (which I mentioned earlier), which makes the pumpkin product suitable for people with visual impairments or people who often use computers. Due to the available potassium, it prevents a number of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Pumpkin also contains substances that improve the functioning of the nervous system. It is also interesting that pumpkin contains vitamin E, which acts on the body by stimulating the function of the reproductive glands. Pumpkin seeds are known to act as an aphrodisiac, so boldly consume them.

What else do we need to know about the pumpkin?

• Before you buy a pumpkin, make sure it still has a stem, because a pumpkin without handles may not be edible. The pumpkin should feel heavier than it looks, and if you hit the hollow hand, the time for consumption is over;
• Pumpkins can last for several weeks if kept in the dark. Once cut into pieces, they can stand in the fridge for up to several days;
• Pumpkin can be cooked roasted, boiled, soup, pie, cake, biscuits, etc. The internet is full of different ways to prepare delicious recipes;

Interesting facts about pumpkins

• In ancient Greece, the carved and cleaned pumpkin was used as a drinking vessel;
• In China, pumpkins were filled with coins and placed in front of the house to attract wealth in the home;
• In Thailand and Cambodia, pumpkins were used to banish evil spirits;
• Let us not forget about Halloween. This is an interesting and very colorful holiday. Where I live, people does not celebrate it, but it still finds his place among the children and teens. Personally, I am very fond of this holiday and generally admire the artistry and creativity of the people. I provide you with a link to an article that will tell you the story of the pumpkin and it as a symbol of the festive October 31 vs. November 1, All Saints Night.

Visit: https://www.history.com/news/history-of-the-jack-o-lantern-irish-origins