How to choose pumpkin that is both sweet and delicious

Choosing sweet and noodle pumpkins can be judged comprehensively from five aspects: appearance, color, weight, sound, and stem.

1. Appearance

High quality pumpkin has a full and symmetrical appearance, without obvious bumps or deformities. Mature pumpkins are usually flattened or pear shaped, with deep and distinct edges. This type of pumpkin has a long growth cycle, sufficient starch conversion, and a sweeter taste. Avoid choosing pumpkins with damaged surfaces or insect eyes.

2. Color

Pumpkin with high maturity has a uniform and deep skin color, honey pumpkin is orange red, and chestnut pumpkin is gray green with light lines. Pumpkins with bluish colors or uneven distribution have insufficient maturity and lower sweetness. Some varieties of pumpkin may have white frost on their skin, which is a natural secretion of fruit powder and does not affect their quality.

III. Weight

Choosing a pumpkin with a heavy texture for the same volume indicates that the flesh is dense and has sufficient moisture. You can use your hand to lightly tap and compare, the pumpkin flesh with a dull sound is thicker. Pumpkins that are too light may be stored for too long, resulting in water loss and a woody texture.

4. Sound

Gently tap the middle of the pumpkin with your fingers, and the mature pumpkin will make a dull thud sound, similar to the sound of ripe watermelon. If the sound is crisp and hollow, it may indicate loose or immature flesh. At the same time, the pumpkin skin can be pressed, making it harder and fresher without any indentations.

Fifth, observe whether the stem of the pumpkin is dry and woody. The stem of the fresh pumpkin is withered yellow and shrunk and sunken. If the stem turns green or there is juice oozing out, it indicates that the picking time is short and the sugar accumulation is insufficient. Pumpkins with moldy or blackened stems may have deteriorated internally.

It is recommended to store the selected pumpkin in a cool and ventilated place. Whole pumpkins can be stored for a long time in an environment of 10-15 degrees Celsius. After cutting, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it, and consume it as soon as possible. Pumpkin is rich in carotene and dietary fiber, suitable for cooking, stewing or making pastries, but diabetes patients need to control their intake. Retaining pumpkin skin during cooking can better lock in nutrients, and using a toothpick to poke holes in the skin before steaming can accelerate maturation.