About Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that belongs to the same plant family as cucumbers and melons. It is a seed technology where it has seeds. But, in terms of nutrition, it’s like vegetables.
Pumpkins are usually round and orange, although the size, shape and color can vary depending on the variety. They have a thick, smooth upper stem and a stem that connects the pumpkin to its leaves.
Inside, they are hollow, except for the ivory-colored seeds that are covered with stringy flesh. These gourds are native to North America and play a major role in two festivals. They are carved into pumpkins for Halloween and baked into pies for Thanksgiving dessert in the United States and Canada. However, they are also grown worldwide on all continents except Antarctica.
Physical description
Pumpkins, which produce long vines each year, are planted one or two or three on small hills about 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) apart. Botanically speaking, pumpkin seeds are a type of berry known as pepo. They are usually large, 4 to 8 kg (9 to 18 pounds) or more, although some species are smaller.
The largest pumpkin is type C. maximum and may weigh 34 kilograms (75 lbs) or more; the heaviest pumpkin is over 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds). Pumpkins are usually yellow to orange in color and vary in color from oblate to globose to elongated; some have white stripes. The grass is smooth and often furrowed or furrowed.
The leg of the fruit is strong in the tree, breaking in the corner. Self-ripened fruit in the fall can be stored for several months in a well-dried place in warm temperatures.
Pumpkin Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most commonly grown vegetables, which are very rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins. Although this humble vegetable is low in calories, it is rich in vitamin A and polyphenol flavonoid antioxidants such as lutein, xanthine and carotene in abundance.
Pumpkin is a fast-growing vine that creeps up like vegetables and other fruits of the cucurbit family such as cucumbers, squash, cantaloupes, etc. It is one of the most popular crops that is grown all over the world, including in the United States in the market for its fruits and seeds.
Spread and crop
Pumpkins are easy to grow and grow in most climates as long as they have enough warm, frost-free days. If you are planting in USDA growing zone 6 or colder, you can extend your time by starting indoors or using a frost cover.
How much space does the pumpkin need?
If you are planning to plant pumpkins in your garden, you must first consider the amount of space you have. Pumpkins take up a lot of space. Their vines can grow more than 20 meters tall and spread quickly over other plants. Pumpkins are not suitable for container gardening for small gardens.
Your precious space is better for other vegetables like salad greens, peppers or tomatoes. Make sure you have enough space to make the pumpkin move.
Naturally, they are planted in a separate bed from other plants or allowed to grow vines in the corner of the garden. You can help guide the vines to where you want them to grow, but once they start to set fruit, you’ll want to let them go.
How long does a pumpkin take to grow?
Pumpkins take time to ripen, some varieties need 80 to 120 days to produce a ripe harvest.
A giant pumpkin can take up to 150 days!
If you live in an area with a short growing season, the best way is to start seeds indoors for starters and carefully transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. You can also choose one of the faster maturing options described below.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Can support the immune system
As indicated by its bright orange color, pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A when eaten. Studies have shown that vitamin A plays an important role in improving immune function. Vitamin C also helps in immune function by supporting immune cell function and increasing white blood cells.
Can help reduce the risk of metabolic disease
Metabolic syndrome is the medical name for a combination of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Collectively, these conditions increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A 2015 study in Japan found that foods high in carotenoids, which are pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their orange, yellow and green colors, can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.
May help prevent cancer
Although there is no single “super food” that can prevent cancer, and some cancer risk factors are not linked to food, there is evidence that a healthy diet can reduce cancer. In addition, the antioxidant properties of carotenoids, vitamins A and E, all of which are found in pumpkin, can protect against certain cancers, such as breast cancer. Can
promote healthy skin
Pumpkins are full of skin-healthy nutrients, including vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, all of which play an important role in the health of our skin.
Vitamin C is not produced naturally by the body, so it is important to get it from our diet, as it participates in the formation of collagen that makes the skin strong, vitamin C also helps prevent ulcers and promote wound healing. .
Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and works with vitamin C to help protect against sun damage and dryness. Vitamin A, or beta-carotene, is also involved in protecting the skin from the sun’s UVB rays and can help protect against sunburn, although sunscreen is still important!
