We explain how you can prepare a pumpkin, answer the most important questions about autumn vegetables and present delicious recipes.
In this article you can expect:
How can you prepare a pumpkin?
Pumpkins can be prepared in a variety of ways. You can do it fry, grill, cook, in the oven or even in the microwave ferment. As a rule, they must be chopped up and peeled before preparation. The best way to do this is to use a large, sharp knife and cut the pumpkin in half.
You can do the kernels Scrape out with a spoon or ice cream scoop. However, you shouldn't throw them away, because the pumpkin seeds can be roasted and made into a tasty snack. The skin of many pumpkins is edible, but apart from the Hokkaido pumpkin, it is very firm and should therefore be removed better. You can find out exactly how peeling works in our video:
The cooking times vary depending on the type and size of pumpkin. You should allow at least 30 minutes in the oven, in boiling water the pumpkin is cooked after 10 to 15 minutes in the microwave it only takes 5 minutes until the pumpkin pulp is tender. Here you can find out everything about grilling pumpkins.
What should you watch out for when buying a pumpkin?
When buying in the supermarket, the pumpkin should be firm and not have any bruises. You can use the knock test to find out whether the vegetables are ripe: When the pumpkin sounds hollow, it is edible. Pumpkins can also ripen if they are for three to four weeks in a warm place be stored. You should also make sure that you only buy pumpkins with a stem.
Which types of pumpkin are edible?
When it comes to pumpkins, a distinction is made between edible and decorative pumpkins. The most common edible varieties are the Hokkaido, butternut and nutmeg squash, but the spaghetti squash is also enjoying increasing popularity. When you cook at pumpkin detects a bitter smell or taste, it is an ornamental pumpkin that is poisonous and therefore not suitable for consumption. You can also eat pumpkins raw and use in salads or smoothies, for example.
Is the Pumpkin Healthy?
Pumpkins contain important vitamins and minerals, such as Beta carotene, potassium and magnesium. In addition, the pulp is very low in calories and fat, so you can include it in your diet without a guilty conscience. It looks a little different with the pumpkin seeds: They contain about 500 calories per 100 grams, but are also very healthy because they contain iron, zinc and proteins, for example.
How should you store pumpkins?
A pumpkin can be kept for several weeks if stored in a cool and dark place. The pumpkin season starts in August and ends in mid-November, but you can without any problems until spring store a pumpkin. If you have a cut piece left over while preparing the pumpkin, it is best to cover it with cling film and store it in the refrigerator. It stays there about three to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze the pumpkin or boil it down.
Recipes with pumpkin
The most common pumpkin recipe is pumpkin soup, but we also have clever ideas for pumpkin compote, oven pumpkin, pumpkin puree or pumpkin vegetables. We'll also show you how to hollow out a pumpkin and cook pumpkin in the oven. The latest food trend is called pumpkin toast, by the way. In our special you will find lots of delicious ideas on how to prepare pumpkin recipes.