Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a vegetable from the gourd family, native to the Americas and now popular worldwide. Its mildly sweet, earthy flavour makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is used to prepare soups, creams, risottos, pies, muffins, and baked stuffed dishes. Pumpkin purée is especially popular and forms the base of many recipes. The flesh is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fibre. Pumpkins are grown in many varieties, from Hokkaido and butternut squash to giant Halloween pumpkins. The seeds are also edible and enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to salads and baked goods.