Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a large and sphere-shaped species of vegetable which can be found at any market in Sri Lanka. This orange and yellow coloured vegetable belongs to the scientific genus of Cucurbita. Pumpkins are members of the gourd family which also include zucchini, bitter gourd, snake gourd, watermelon and cucumber. There are about 25 species of pumpkins.

The native region of the pumpkins is the Central Americas, particularly Mexico. From Mexico, the Spanish brought pumpkins to Spain and spread them across the world.

Like grapes, pumpkins are also a vine but grow only on the ground and have no hard stem. You can have a pumpkin plant by planting some seeds on the ground or in a pot. In Sri Lanka, pumpkins are used to make curries while pumpkin pie is popular in the USA especially during the Thanksgiving season. Pumpkin seeds, leaves and flowers are also edible. Seeds can be roasted and used as a snack while leaves and flowers can be used in preparing salads.

Pumpkins are rich in fiber, vitamins A and B, iron and protein. They have low contents of calories. Pumpkins have a significant relationship with the Halloween season. The main source of decoration during the season is the pumpkin. Carved pumpkin faces are popular during Halloween.

Mexico, Spain, the USA, Italy, India, China and Russia are the largest pumpkin producers of the world. Cucurbita maxima is the species of pumpkin which in common in Sri Lanka. Pumpkins are cultivated in dry and intermediate zones in the country.