Hokkaido pumpkin

Description

Hokkaido pumpkin has an intense, sweet-nutty flavor and a smooth, orange-red skin that is thin and delicate enough to be eaten along with the flesh; the fruits are usually small to medium-sized, with a dense, creamy texture. Nutritionally, this vegetable is low in calories and rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, which support vision, the immune system, digestion, and heart health, while also positively impacting glycemic control. In the kitchen, hokkaido is perfect for baking, roasting, soups, purees, tarts, curries, and fillings, as well as for bread and desserts, with the added benefit of not needing to be peeled, which speeds up preparation. Store the whole, undamaged pumpkin in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place for several weeks; cut pieces should be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2–3 days or frozen after prior heat treatment.