Musk pumpkin

Description

1. What is a musk pumpkin?

Musk pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is a species of annual plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It comes from Central America. Although it is widely recognized as a vegetable, in fact, botanically, it is a fruit. Cucurbita moschata is grown for its nutritional and taste qualities, just like pumpkin. Since some varieties have small, ornamental fruits, they are also treated as ornamental plants. Like all pumpkins, to grow, the musk pumpkin needs heat, water and light. This particular variety of pumpkin is characterized by a pear-shaped shape and a fairly thin skin. It is not large, it weighs most often from 1 to 3 kilograms. It has a creamy, sweet and buttery taste, an intense orange color and a characteristic musk smell. This is one of the most delicious and interesting pumpkins.

Properties of musk pumpkin

Musk pumpkin has numerous properties and nutritional values. It is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals. It provides, among others:

• vitamin A,
• vitamin E,
• B vitamins,
• folic acid,
• manganese,
• magnesium,
• potassium,
• beta-carotene,
• fiber.

In 100 g of musk pumpkin there is 44 kcal and 88 percent water. It is not only tasty, but nutritious and nutritious. It perfectly hydrates the body, helps prevent constipation and enteritis, protects against the action of free radicals.

However, not everyone can eat musk pumpkin without restrictions. Who should watch out for her? Since this variety has a fairly high glycemic index (equal to 75), it must be limited by people with insulin resistance and diabetes. The vegetable causes a rapid increase in glucose levels in the body. Due to the high potassium content, it should be consumed less often by people struggling with kidney disease. It must also be watched out for by people with heart failure and arrhythmia who are treated with beta-blockers.

Musk pumpkin soup

Many people associate autumn with aromatic, nutritious and creamy musk pumpkin soup. To cook it, you need to prepare: musk pumpkin, onion, carrots, garlic pressed through the press, coconut milk, 1.5 l of vegetable broth, spices: salt, pepper, smoked paprika powder, curry, butter. In a pot, in butter with a little oil, fry the onion and garlic (it is important not to burn them). After a while, you need to add peeled and chopped or grated carrots. The next step is to add pumpkin. The whole should be boiled for a few minutes until the ingredients are soft (unless the pumpkin has been baked beforehand). When the pumpkin in the broth is soft, you need to add coconut milk, spices, and then blend the whole thing into a smooth cream. Soup can be served with croutons, roasted seeds or a little cheese, for example, goat. A tasty finish of the dish will also be fried bacon or rings of fried onions.