Which variety of pumpkin is the most fragrant and sweet

Beibei pumpkin, red chestnut pumpkin, and cream pumpkin are the most rich, sweet, and soft varieties in taste. The aroma and sweetness of pumpkin are mainly influenced by variety characteristics, planting conditions, maturity, and other factors. Different varieties have significant differences in texture and flavor.

Beibei pumpkin belongs to a small pumpkin variety, with orange yellow flesh and delicate texture. After steaming, it has a chestnut like powdery texture and natural sweetness, especially suitable for making pumpkin soup or steaming directly. It has a strong ability to accumulate sweetness, moderate moisture content in the meat after maturity, and high efficiency in converting starch into sugar, thus presenting a rich flavor. The skin of the red chestnut pumpkin is deep red and shiny, the flesh is compact and has less fiber, and the sweetness after cooking is close to that of sweet potatoes, with a unique nutty aroma. This type of pumpkin is suitable for baking or stewing soup, and high temperature heating can better stimulate its aroma substances. Cream pumpkin has a flat and round appearance, with bright orange flesh and low moisture content. Its texture is as smooth as cheese, and its sweetness is stable and not easily affected by cooking methods. It is often used to make desserts or baby food supplements.

Special varieties such as golden pumpkin may have a higher sweetness, but their flesh tends to be moist and lacks a powdery texture; Traditional pumpkin has a high starch content but a lighter sweetness, making it more suitable for cooking rather than desserts. When choosing, maturity can be determined by observing whether the stem is dry and woody, and whether the skin is hard and undamaged. Fully ripe pumpkin has more abundant accumulation of aroma compounds and sugar. After being stored in a cool and ventilated place for 1-2 weeks, some varieties may still undergo starch saccharification reaction, which further increases their sweetness.

It is recommended to heat pumpkin with a small amount of oil to help absorb fat soluble nutrients such as carotenoids. People with abnormal blood sugar levels need to control their consumption and avoid excessive intake of carbohydrates. When choosing, prioritize fruits that are heavy and have a dull tapping sound. These pumpkins are usually well-developed and have full flesh. Different varieties can be consumed alternately to obtain richer nutrients. For example, Beibei pumpkin has a higher content of carotenoids, while Hongli pumpkin has a more prominent potassium element. Keeping pumpkin skin during cooking can increase dietary fiber intake, but it is important to thoroughly clean the surface impurities.