La zucca, un ortaggio dalle molte virtù | eatparade
Pumpkin is among the most popular vegetables of autumn, not coincidentally, it is the symbol of Halloween night.
It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, born in South America has since spread worldwide.
The edible parts of the pumpkin are many: seeds, flowers, and the pulp.
The pumpkin has much nutritional and beneficial property for the body: very few calories (only 15 in 100 g), many vitamins (especially A and C) and many fibers. Those contained in the pulp help to regulate the intestines and its high content of vitamins is a good ally to fight free radicals. In addition ‘rich in water and very little sugar. For this is considered an ideal food for those with special dietary. In addition, pumpkin seeds are rich in beneficial and contribute to a healthy diet. From Mexico to China, from Africa to the Mediterranean, the pumpkin seeds are always regarded as the fuel of the brain, a real multiplier of gray matter. Pumpkin seeds are also able to alleviate the inflammation of the skin and prevent urinary tract dysfunction.
It ‘a very versatile vegetable in the kitchen, useful for the preparation of recipes both sweet and salty. Depending on the variety, it may be seasonal in our country in both summer and autumn. In the Italian tradition, the pumpkin is used for several pasta dishes, risotto and stuffed tortellini, particularly popular in the area of Mantua. It is one of the vegetables that are best suited to different uses, from the kitchen, furnishing, decoration. Emptied of its pulp is even used as a container.
The pumpkin has resulted in countless myths and beliefs and always retains a remarkable ability to strike the imagination. Protagonist of fairy tales, capable of becoming a carriage for one night, the pumpkin is the humble vegetable protagonist autumn.
