PUMPKIN RECIPES:

An intact squash can be stored for 1-6 months in a cool, dry and dark place. Once opened, the squash can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator, wrapped in a transparent film. Fresh squash, diced, cooked or purée can be frozen.

Nothing is thrown away from squash, the peel, leaves and flowers are regularly consumed in various parts of the world. Squash can be roasted, boiled, reduced to a puree.

Each Italian region has its squash-based dishes: squash is added to soups and stews or is used to fill pasta or risotto seasonings, for example. Excellent side dish for meat, cooked with aromas or with cheese.

Squash is a remarkable ingredient for making savory pies, stuffed cakes, desserts, jams and mostarda.

Squash seeds, raw or toasted and salted, are an excellent snack, but they can also be used to season mixed salads, meat dishes, to stuff meatballs or desserts, in the mixture of special breads and cakes, and, indeed, to prepare pasta sauces.

Major Health Benefits

Most of a pumpkin’s health benefits come from its micronutrient content and the fact that it’s a fiber-filled, low-carb fruit.

While there aren’t many studies on pumpkin specifically, it is high in several nutrients that have established health benefits.

Immunity

Pumpkin gives you a hefty dose of beta-carotene, which is partially converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A can help your body fight off infections.

Recent research has shown that vitamin A is particularly important for strengthening the intestinal lining, making it more resistant to infections.

Other micronutrients in pumpkin also help promote immunity, including vitamins C and E, iron and folate .

Eye Health

There are a couple of ways in which pumpkin is good for your eyes.

First, it’s rich in beta-carotene, which helps keep your vision sharp by helping the retina absorb light.

Second, the combination of other vitamins and minerals in pumpkin may protect against age-related macular degeneration.

One study found that people with age-related macular degeneration could slow its progression by taking a supplement containing zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and copper.

While that study used a supplement, you can find all of these nutrients in pumpkin, although in smaller amounts.

Healthy Skin

The antioxidants found in pumpkin are important for skin health. These include beta-carotene and vitamins C and E.

Beta-carotene, in particular, may protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Eating foods with beta-carotene can also help improve the appearance and texture of skin.

Heart Health

Eating fruits and vegetables is generally heart-healthy. What’s more, pumpkin has specific nutrients that are good for heart health.

The fiber, vitamin C and potassium found in it can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Metabolic Syndrome

Eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as pumpkin, may help lower your risk of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms associated with abdominal obesity. These include high blood pressure, poor blood sugar control and elevated triglyceride levels — factors that raise your risk of heart disease and diabetes.