Is it a fruit or a vegetable? ๐ค
What is one of the most widely grown field crops that can vary greatly in shape, size and colour, has lovely yellow bell-shaped flowers, is rich in antioxidants and low in calories? Yes, thatโs right โ it’s pumpkin! ย Technically speaking, it is a fruit because it contains seeds, but most people think of it as a vegetable.
Personally, we’ve renewed our love affair with pumpkins after a long relationship with kumera – roasting butternut pumpkin in coconut oil is not only healthy but caramelises the flesh into gooey, sweet, orange goodness that’s ready to throw into a frittata, quinoa salad or to eat as a snack.
This sweet, golden vegetable provides just 26 calories (109 kJ) per 100g, has high levels of Vitamin A (essential for good eyesight and skin), is an excellent source of B vitamins (eg folates, niacin, thiamine) and minerals (eg copper, calcium, potassium).
Pumpkin seeds, which are also known as pepitas, are a great source of dietary fibre and mono-unsaturated fatty acids (beneficial for heart health). Rather than throwing them in the compost, roast them with the rest of your pumpkin and include them in your dish or sprinkle on salads. They’re really delish.
Did you know…. pumpkins belong in the same plant family as cucumbers, melons, squash and zucchinis? In Australia pumpkins are grown in the temperate regions, with harvesting occurring 16 to 20 weeks after planting.
