Pumpkin is a plump, nutritious orange vegetable, and a highly nutrient dense food. It is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are also in its seeds, leaves, and juices. There are many ways to incorporate pumpkin into desserts, soups, salads, preserves, and even as a substitute for butter.
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash that originated from North America and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre. They also contain antioxidants that can help prevent damage caused by free radicals to the body.
Pumpkins are large, round squashes that are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium, pumpkins are known for their sweet, earthy flavor, which becomes even richer when cooked. They are often used in pies, soups, and roasted vegetable medleys. Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are also packed with nutrients and are commonly eaten as a snack or used as a garnish. Pumpkins can be pureed for soups or roasted for a sweet, caramelized flavor. This versatile vegetable is celebrated both for its taste and its health benefits.
PRODUCT INFO Thai pumpkins are medium to large in size, averaging 8 to 14 pounds, and have a flattened, round to ovate shape. The rind is deeply ribbed, textured, firm, and thin, sometimes covered in a powdery coating. When young, Thai pumpkins are dark green, covered in tan speckles and mottling, and as the pumpkin matures in storage, it transitions into to a uniform tan to light brown hue. Underneath the rind, the flesh is dense, bright orange-yellow, and has a drier consistency, encasing a small central cavity filled with ivory seeds and stringy fibers. Thai pumpkins develop a smooth, creamy, and soft texture when cooked and have a rich, sweet, and subtle, spice-like flavor.Thai pumpkins are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production within the skin. The pumpkins also provide potassium to help balance fluid intake, manganese to activate enzymes in the body, and some fiber to stimulate the digestive tract. USES Thai pumpkins, botanically classified as Cucurbita moschata, are large, ridged fruits that grow on a vining plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. The name Thai pumpkin is a general descriptor used to encompass multiple varieties of pumpkins commonly grown in Thailand. Pumpkins have become a favored secondary crop in Thailand and are planted as an additional source of income. The thick-fleshed pumpkins are valued for their resistance to disease, high yields, large size, and easy-to-grow nature. Thai pumpkins are also being cultivated in the United States through exotic farms and in home gardens as a specialty variety. The main variety of Thai pumpkin that is cultivated in both Thailand and the United States is also known as Rai Kaw Tok. SEASON Thai pumpkins are available year-round in Thailand.